The Bamasaaba cultural institution has pledged to work with the Ministry of Health and its development partners to address persistent health challenges in the Elgon sub-region. These challenges include teenage pregnancies, alcohol abuse, maternal deaths, and the continued reliance on traditional birth attendants. This commitment follows the presentation of the 2025/2026 annual health performance report by Mbale Regional Referral Hospital. The report highlighted significant progress in healthcare delivery alongside persistent challenges affecting communities across the Elgon region.
Hon. Steven Masiga, the spokesperson of the Bamasaaba cultural institution, expressed concern about the health challenges identified in the report. The cultural leadership is ready to mobilize communities through traditional clan structures to support government efforts to improve healthcare. Masiga represented the cultural institution's leadership at the recent Ministry of Health Annual Health Assembly. He emphasized that the institution considers the health and well-being of the Bamasaaba people a critical priority.
The cultural institution will work closely with the Ministry of Health, Mbale Regional Referral Hospital, and other healthcare stakeholders to address practices and behaviors contributing to preventable illnesses and deaths. One major concern raised by Masiga is the continued reliance on traditional birth attendants, particularly by expectant mothers who seek their services during labor despite the availability of government health facilities. Masiga questioned why some mothers still turn to traditional birth attendants when the government has deployed qualified medical personnel in health facilities across the country.
According to the health report presented at the assembly, delayed referrals and the involvement of traditional birth attendants in managing childbirth were among the factors contributing to maternal deaths in the Elgon sub-region. Masiga said the institution was particularly concerned about situations in which mothers experience complications during labor but fail to reach appropriate medical facilities in time. He called for collective action involving cultural leaders, health workers, and communities to promote skilled birth attendance and timely referrals.
The cultural institution also expressed concern about teenage pregnancies, which the health report identified as a significant challenge, particularly in Bududa and Namisindwa districts. Masiga said the institution was determined to work with parents, clan leaders, and other stakeholders to address practices that expose young girls to early sexual activity and teenage pregnancies. He specifically expressed concern about certain cultural celebrations and practices associated with Imbalu, saying some activities surrounding the celebrations could expose girls to sexual activity at an early age.
The institution's proposed interventions are expected to involve community sensitization and engagement with other stakeholders to address the social and cultural factors associated with the problem. Additionally, Masiga raised concerns about excessive alcohol consumption, linking it to liver ailments and other health challenges affecting communities in the Elgon region. He said alcohol abuse, alongside unhealthy dietary habits, required urgent attention from cultural leaders and health stakeholders.
The 2025/2026 health report identified diabetes and hypertension among the major causes of mortality in the region, alongside malaria, liver ailments, and pneumonia. Masiga said the cultural institution would encourage communities to adopt healthier lifestyles, including reducing excessive salt and sugar consumption and addressing behaviors associated with preventable illnesses. The Umukuuka of the Bamasaaba, His Highness Jude Mike Mudoma III, will take a leading role in mobilizing communities for health-related activities.
Key points
- The Bamasaaba cultural institution partners with the Ministry of Health to address health challenges.
- The institution aims to reduce teenage pregnancies and alcohol abuse in the Elgon sub-region.
- The cultural institution will promote healthier lifestyles and preventive healthcare among the Bamasaaba people.
