Hon. Lomwar Didi Expands Maternal Health Support in Kotido Municipality

By Richard Onapatum

Kotido, Uganda — April 20, 2025
In a continuous effort to enhance maternal healthcare in Kotido Municipality, Hon. Lomwar Ismail Muhamed Didi, the area’s Member of Parliament, has once again demonstrated his unwavering commitment to supporting expectant mothers. On Saturday, he donated 1,500 plastic basins and Maasai bedsheets, ensuring women have essential items for safer and more dignified childbirth experiences.

The distribution ceremony, held at his residence in Lodidip, brought together community leaders, healthcare professionals, and residents, underscoring the significance of grassroots interventions in improving maternal health.

Bridging Maternal Health Gaps in Karamoja

Kotido, a district in Uganda’s Karamoja sub-region, has long faced challenges in maternal and child healthcare, with inadequate access to basic birthing supplies, skilled birth attendants, and well-equipped health facilities. Many expectant mothers lack fundamental items required for safe delivery, increasing health risks for both mother and child.

Hon. Didi’s donation seeks to reduce this burden and raise awareness on the urgent need for improved maternal healthcare services.

Local midwives welcomed the initiative, emphasizing its immediate impact on hospital preparedness.

“We often receive mothers who lack basic supplies. This support will significantly ease challenges at health facilities,” noted Sarah Akello, a senior midwife at Kotido General Hospital.

Community Appreciation and Leadership Recognition

Hon. Didi’s maternal health initiatives have been consistent, dating back to his tenure as Mayor. His donation drives, conducted every two months, have made essential childbirth resources accessible to vulnerable mothers.

Among the beneficiaries was Mary Lokiru, a 24-year-old mother of two, expecting her third child. Overcome with gratitude, she shared,

“I wasn’t sure how I would prepare for my baby’s arrival. Now, I have a basin for water and a clean bedsheet to use at the health center. May God bless the MP.”

Community leaders praised the MP’s proactive approach, highlighting how such interventions align with Uganda’s broader efforts to reduce maternal mortality and encourage antenatal care attendance.

“This is leadership in action—responding directly to people’s needs. We hope this is part of a larger push for better healthcare,” remarked LC1 Chairperson Joseph Lomuria.

Advocating for Healthcare Infrastructure Upgrades

Beyond direct donations, Hon. Didi is actively lobbying for the elevation of Panyangara Health Centre to Health Centre IV status, addressing service gaps in Kotido Municipality’s western and northern divisions. His efforts reflect a broader vision of ensuring expectant mothers receive quality care throughout their pregnancy journey.

A Commitment to Maternal Healthcare Expansion

Reaffirming his stance on maternal health, Hon. Didi pledged to work with government agencies, NGOs, and health institutions to strengthen maternal and child healthcare services in Kotido.

“Mothers are the backbone of our society. Investing in their health is investing in the future of our nation,” he emphasized.

A Legacy of Thoughtful Leadership

The ceremony concluded with traditional blessings and a communal lunch, fostering unity and shared purpose. For many in attendance, the donation was more than just an act of kindness—it was a reaffirmation of how dedicated leadership can drive tangible change in people’s lives.