Kikuube District, Uganda – In a move aimed at improving lives and fostering sustainable development, CNOOC Uganda Limited has donated critical medical equipment, hospital furniture, and educational materials to eleven schools and two health facilities in Kikuube district
At a handover ceremony held at Kyangwali Health Centre IV in Kyangwali Sub-County, Kikuube District, the company provided 120 sets of medical equipment and hospital furniture to Buhuka Health Centre III and Kyangwali Health Centre IV, as part of its broader community investment strategy.
Strengthening Healthcare Delivery
The donation targeted at enhancing maternal, outpatient, and surgical care. Medical equipment donated includes:
- Hydraulic theatre operating beds
- Hospital beds
- Autoclaves
- Maternity bowl stands
- Diagnostic kits
- Blood pressure machines
- Patient screens, among others
Buhuka Health Centre III received 52 sets, while Kyangwali Health Centre IV received 68 sets.
Semu Tebayita, In-Charge of Kyangwali Health Centre IV, expressed heartfelt appreciation to CNOOC. “This donation is not just a delivery of tools, it’s a delivery of hope, of improved efficiency, and of better outcomes for our patients. These are instruments that will help save lives.”
Tebayita singled out the hydraulic operating beds as game-changing additions to their operating theatre.
“Our old theater beds were in a poor state. One had a failed hydraulic system, making surgery difficult and physically strenuous for our doctors. These new beds are a blessing and will enhance the safety and comfort of both patients and medical staff.”
Serving a catchment area of over 41,000 people, Kyangwali Health Centre IV often sees patients coming from neighboring districts. Tebayita noted that this support would benefit the wider community and pledged responsible use of the resources:
“Your support reminds us that together, institutions and generous individuals can make a real difference. We assure you these resources will be used to their full potential.”
“I acknowledge the needs assessment that was carried out earlier. It was indeed accurate and timely. We are truly grateful as a district and as a government,” said Petr Banura, Kikuube District chairperson.
He added that “While it is the government’s mandate to provide these essential services, we recognize that sometimes gaps remain. That’s why the contribution of partners and stakeholders like yourselves is invaluable. Your support goes a long way in strengthening our health centers and education facilities. On behalf of the people of Kikuube, I thank you sincerely for your commitment. Let us continue working together for the betterment of our communities.”
Educational Support to 11 Primary Schools
In the education sector, CNOOC also donated 400 school desks and 880 textbooks to eleven primary schools in the area. Each school received around 40 desks and 80 textbooks, covering Primary One through Seven.
The beneficiary schools include:
- Kabaale Public School
- Kigaaga Primary School
- Kaseeta Primary School
- St. Andrews Nyairongo Primary School
- Kibaale Modern Primary School/Kyarushesha Nursery & Primary
- St. Mary’s Wairagaza Primary School
- St. Augustine Primary School/Nsozi Primary School
- Tontema Primary School
- Butoole Primary School
- St. Karoli Lwanga/Rwemisanga Primary School
- Buhuuka Primary School
John Kyamanya, Deputy Headteacher of Kabaale Primary School, welcomed the support:
“Our school has over 1,400 learners but very limited furniture. These desks and textbooks are a timely boost to both learners and teachers. The books align with the current curriculum, which will definitely improve classroom performance.”
CNOOC’s Commitment to Community Development
Mr. LIU Xiangdong, President of CNOOC Uganda Limited, reiterated the company’s commitment to the communities it serves:
“We believe that healthy and educated communities are the foundation for sustainable development and shared prosperity. Our investment today reflects our dedication not just to energy, but to human capital.”
He added that the initiative aligns with Uganda’s National Development Plan and the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) agenda. Beyond this donation, CNOOC continues to support communities through annual medical camps, student scholarships, vocational training, and environmental protection programs.
Health Centre Challenges Still Remain
Despite the progress, Kyangwali Health Centre IV still faces critical gaps. Mr. Tebayita outlined several key challenges:
- Limited staff accommodation: “Three adults are sharing a room, which affects morale and productivity.”
- No dedicated drug store: “We’re forced to improvise, risking the safety of our medications.”
- Lack of a mortuary: “Deceased patients are sometimes kept in wards due to the absence of proper facilities.”
- Incomplete infrastructure: “Our facility still lacks several essential buildings and amenities.”
“While today’s donation is a major step forward, we continue to look to partners like CNOOC to help us overcome these remaining hurdles,” Tebayita concluded.
