Story by Mbabazi Vanansio Kakogoso

A section of Village Health Teams (VHTs) in Kisoro district is expressing frustration over the non-payment of their allowances for their participation in the Tuberculosis and Yellow Fever immunization exercise.

Among the concerned VHTs are Benon Maniragaba, VHT coordinator for Bunagana Town Council; David Semakuba, coordinator for Nyakinama Sub County; and Kitentera Florence from Northern Division. They have voiced their dissatisfaction with the delay in payment, and many VHTs have even pledged to cease their activities until they receive their due compensation.

These VHTs have also expressed their concern about the lack of clear information regarding when they can expect to receive their payments.

Assistant District Health Officer of Kisoro, Annette Dusabe, attributes the payment challenge to the government’s introduction of the Electronic Payment system, which involves sending money directly to VHTs’ phones. She encourages all affected individuals to submit petitions through her office to the Ministry of Health for resolution.

Deputy Resident District Commissioner of Kisoro, Robert Tukamuhebwa, acknowledges that numerous VHTs have reported the issue of non-payment to his office.