Leaders in Mukono Municipality are calling on the government to ensure a steady supply of sickle cell medication, warning that shortages put hundreds of patients at risk of avoidable deaths.
The appeal was made by Mukono Municipal Council Speaker Dorah Nakaddu Nsubuga Lwembawo during a special council sitting at Mayor’s Gardens to honor the late Charles Wakibugu, 36, the councillor for Gwaffu Central, West, and Ntinda zones. Wakibugu, who had recently regained the National Unity Platform ticket as Seeta Ward councillor, died early Tuesday at Mukono General Hospital after a long battle with sickle cell disease.
“Many lives are in danger as health facilities lack essential medicines to manage this condition. Government must treat this as a matter of urgency,” Nakaddu said. She also called for mandatory sickle cell screening to help citizens know their health status early and make informed decisions.
Humphery Kyassa, Chairperson of Goma Division, criticized the inconsistent supply of medical drugs, noting that some essential medicines run out while irrelevant ones expire on shelves. “Government must consult health facility leaders before sending drugs,” he said.
Mukono General Hospital’s sickle cell clinic, started six years ago with fewer than 100 clients, now serves 800 patients, 293 of whom use hydroxyurea, a drug mainly supplied through support from the Sarafinah Sickle Cell Society in the United States.
Local officials and family members paid tribute to Wakibugu as a dedicated and principled public servant who continued serving his community despite his illness. Town Clerk Richard Byabagabi described him as a patriotic leader, while Councillor Kasozi called him approachable and committed to community interests. Carol Mugalu, representing the family, said Wakibugu had been a pillar for them.
Wakibugu will be laid to rest at Nabuta in Goma Division. He is survived by two children.
