Napak RDC Milton Odongo Commissioned 119 Community Health Extension Workers to Boost Primary Health Care.
New CHEWs trained in first aid, disease surveillance and referrals.
BY OKIDI PATRICK
NAPAK, UGANDA–Napak District has commissioned 119 Community Health Extension Workers⁰ (CHEWs) to strengthen healthcare delivery at village level after they completed a three-month training programme.
The commissioning ceremony was held on Tuesday, 14th July 2026 at Country Place Inn in Matany Town Council.
“Embrace this opportunity”
Presiding over the event, Napak Resident District Commissioner Milton Odongo commended the NRM Government for creating an enabling environment that has driven transformation in health, education, agriculture and other sectors.
He urged the new health workers to remain committed to serving their communities and to pursue further education to enhance their careers and earnings.
The Principal Assistant Secretary, Alfred Lochap Lowoto, who represented the Chief Administra0tive Officer, said the programme has created jobs for local people.
Trained to handle community health needs
The District Health Officer, Dr. Charles Nuwagaba, said the CHEWs were equipped with skills in administering first aid, identifying and reporting illnesses, collecting community health data, conducting health education, and referring patients to health facilities.
“This initiative has created employment opportunities for members of our communities. I encourage all the commissioned health workers to embrace this opportunity as a source of livelihood while serving their communities with dedication,” he said.
“The Community Health Extension Workers have been trained in a wide range of skills that will strengthen disease surveillance, improve community health reporting, and provide timely first aid before patients are referred to health facilities,” Dr. Nuwagaba said.
Vice Chairperson Hon. Josua Lomonyang congratulated the graduates for their commitment and thanked the Government of Uganda, Baylor Uganda, and Napak District Local Government for supporting the programme.
He urged the workers to serve diligently and support government programmes aimed at improving healthcare.
A represntative from Baylor Uganda urged district leaders to facilitate the CHEWs’ access to the government payroll and advised them to submit all required documentation for timely recruitment and payment.
Baylor pledged to continue supporting the programme, including providing financial support to trainees during the initial implementation period.
Wilson Lotuke, the District Workers’ Councillor, assured the new workers that he would advocate for their welfare at the District Council.
Officials said the commissioning marks a significant milestone in bringing essential health services closer to communities and improving disease surveillance, health promotion and timely referrals in Napak.
RDC Milton Odongo (on a white long sleeve) and DHO Dr. Charles Nuwagaba among others during the commissioning in Matany.
Napak RDC Milton Odongo commissioned 119 Community Health Extension Workers. The new workers will strengthen primary healthcare, disease surveillance and referrals at community level.
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