The Kabale Municipality Member of Parliament, Dr Nicholas Thaddeus Kamara, has rallied residents to adopt community health insurance as a safeguard against catastrophic healthcare costs, particularly during sickness or emergencies within families.
While addressing mourners on Sunday evening at the requiem mass for Edith Zoreka, a resident of Kinyungusi Cell, Lower Bugongi, Northern Division of Kabale Municipality, who passed away from cancer on Saturday, MP Kamara emphasized that community health insurance could ease worries, offering financial support in the event of health crises.
He stressed that such coverage could enable quicker recovery by reducing the financial burden during tough times.
Dr. Kamara, a Consultant Physician and Chairperson of the Parliamentary Forum on Non-Communicable Diseases (PFNCD), highlighted the concerning rise of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in Uganda, pointing out their significant contribution to national mortality rates.
He noted that diseases like cancer can often be treated effectively if detected early, making routine medical checkups crucial.
“President Museveni has addressed non-communicable diseases twice in the last two years, and Speaker Annet Anitah Among has also emphasized the issue multiple times. We need to strengthen our healthcare system and ensure better health for all Ugandans,” MP Kamara stated.
Earlier this year, in January, Kamara launched the “Know Yourself” initiative (Buryomwe Ayemanye), a program aimed at offering free screenings and testing for diabetes, hypertension, sickle cell anemia, and various cancers in Kabale Municipality. The initiative also provides counseling and medical advice to help individuals manage or prevent these conditions.
The Kabale District Woman Member of Parliament, Honorable Catherine Atwakiire Ndamira, praised MP Kamara for his efforts in raising awareness about health issues in the community, encouraging him to continue educating the public.
MP Atwakiire also commended the people of Bugongi for their commitment to mindset change and unity in both times of joy and sorrow.
She further highlighted the importance of strengthening household incomes by engaging in projects such as goat, pig, and poultry farming to promote community development.
“I extend my condolences to the family of the deceased. She was a loving person. May her soul rest in peace,” she said.
The Wakiso Deputy Resident District Commissioner, Sheikh Kassim Kamugisha, also paid tribute to the deceased, describing her as a pillar in the community. He noted her significant role in nurturing the children in the area and urged mourners to embrace teamwork and community spirit, leaving behind a positive legacy.
Tadeo Mastiko, the deceased’s youngest son, remembered his mother as a kind, loving person who was deeply devoted to her community and her Christian faith.
The requiem mass was led by Rev. Fr. Fred Birungi, Parish Priest of Christ the King Catholic Parish in Kabale Municipality, assisted by Rev. Fr. Mathias Kwehangana.
Edith Zoreka is survived by five children. She will be laid to rest at her ancestral home on Monday.
