RDC Napak Milton Odongo Commissions 119 Community Health Extension Workers to Boost Primary Healthcare

RDC Napak Milton Odongo Commissions 119 Community Health Extension Workers to Boost Primary Healthcare 

MATANY, Napak District, Uganda — The RDC of Napak District Milton Odongo has commissioned 119 Community Health Extension Workers (CHEWs) in Napak District following the successful completion of a three-month training programme, marking a major step toward strengthening primary healthcare services and expanding access to essential health services in rural communities.

The commissioning ceremony was held on July 14, 2026, at Country Place Inn in Matany Town Council and brought together district technical officials, political leaders, health facility managers, representatives from Baylor Uganda, and other development partners.

During the ceremony, Napak District Resident Commissioner (RDC) Milton Odongo officially commissioned the new health workers and handed over the Community Health Extension Workers' operational guidelines to the District Health Officer, Dr. Charles Nuwagaba, symbolizing the formal deployment of the workforce into communities across the district.

Representing the Chief Administrative Officer, Principal Assistant Secretary Alfred Lochap Lowoto praised the Government of Uganda for introducing the Community Health Extension Worker programme, describing it as a transformative initiative that not only improves healthcare delivery but also creates employment opportunities for local people.

 "This programme has provided meaningful employment for members of our communities while strengthening our healthcare system. I encourage all the newly commissioned Community Health Extension Workers to serve with dedication, integrity, and compassion," Lowoto said.

District Health Officer Dr. Charles Nuwagaba said the newly trained workers will play a critical role in strengthening preventive and primary healthcare services, particularly in remote and underserved communities where access to health facilities remains limited.

He explained that the Community Health Extension Workers have been equipped with practical skills in first aid, disease surveillance, health promotion, community health education, household visits, data collection, early detection of illnesses, and referral of patients requiring specialized medical attention.

"These health workers are now equipped to strengthen disease surveillance, improve reporting systems, provide first aid, educate communities on disease prevention, and ensure patients are referred promptly to health facilities," Dr. Nuwagaba said.

Napak District Vice Chairperson Hon. Josua Lomonyang congratulated the graduates for successfully completing the intensive training programme and urged them to remain committed to serving their communities.

He also acknowledged the support of the Government of Uganda, Baylor Uganda, and the Napak District Local Government for investing in community-based healthcare.

 "You have demonstrated commitment and resilience throughout this training. The knowledge and skills you have acquired should now be used to improve the health and well-being of our communities," Lomonyang said.

A representative from Baylor Uganda appealed to district authorities to expedite the recruitment process by facilitating the Community Health Extension Workers' placement on the government payroll. The representative also encouraged the graduates to submit all required documentation to ensure timely recruitment and payment of salaries.

Baylor Uganda reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the implementation of the programme, including providing financial and technical support during its early stages.

Speaking on behalf of district workers, Wilson Lotuke, the District Workers' Councillor, pledged continued advocacy for the welfare of the newly commissioned health workers and promised to raise their concerns before the District Council whenever necessary.

In his keynote address, Resident District Commissioner Milton Odongo commended the National Resistance Movement (NRM) government for prioritizing investments in healthcare, education, agriculture, and other key sectors that continue to improve livelihoods across the country.

Odongo urged the Community Health Extension Workers to uphold professionalism, serve with integrity, and continuously upgrade their qualifications to enhance career progression and improve service delivery.

"You are now ambassadors of healthcare within your communities. Serve with honesty and commitment, continue learning, and strive for excellence because the health of our people depends on your dedication," Odongo said.

The commissioning of the 119 Community Health Extension Workers is expected to significantly strengthen Uganda's community health system in Napak District by expanding access to basic healthcare services, improving disease surveillance and reporting, promoting health education, supporting immunization campaigns, and ensuring timely referrals to health facilities.

The Community Health Extension Worker programme is part of Uganda's broader strategy to reinforce primary healthcare by deploying trained frontline health workers who bridge the gap between communities and formal health facilities, particularly in hard-to-reach areas where healthcare access remains a challenge.