For years, Bukere Outpost, which serves approximately 1,200 mothers and children who seek health services on a weekly basis, has struggled with temporary and deplorable latrines, as well as a lack of proper water storage. 

This has long created challenges for both healthcare providers and mothers not only hindering service delivery but also causing serious hygiene risks to both mothers and staff. 

"Mothers who came for vaccinations and nutritional supplements faced many difficulties due to poor facilities and congestion," says Tumuhereze Joshua, the in charge of Bukere Outpost under the Kabarole Research Centre.

When Mulumba Kapinga, a 28-year-old mother from Bukere A, Kyaka II, first started bringing her child for vaccinations, she says, "There were no proper latrines, and finding clean water was a daily struggle. It was especially difficult for mothers like me who needed a safe and hygienic place while caring for our children."

This happened at a time when the Ministry of Health declared an MPOX outbreak in July 2024, that prompted health authorities to take action to curb the spread of the virus.

Oxfam mobilised funds to respond to the outbreak in high-risk populations within Kyaka II Refugee Settlement, Kyegegwa, and Bidibidi settlement in Yumbe District.

The ‘Integrated Risk communication, Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) - WaSH, project was activated to strengthen infection control measures, improve access to safe water, and enhance community awareness of Mpox and other disease outbreaks in the refugee settlements.

As part of this fund, a one-block, two-stance VIP latrine was constructed, and a 5,000-litre plastic water tank with a tap and base was installed at Bukere Outpost in Kyaka II. 

The facilities were handed over to Office of the Prime Minister (OPM), United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), Medical Teams International (MTI), the health partner for operation and maintenance.

The intervention helped decongest the facility, enhancing hygiene practices, and reducing the risk of communicable diseases, including Mpox.

"Now, I feel comfortable coming here, the clean latrine and the availability of safe water make a huge difference. I can focus on vaccinating my child and receiving nutrition supplements without worrying about hygiene," Mulumba said.

In addition to the handover of WASH facilities, 12 assorted latrine cleaning kits, six temperature guns, 16 assorted Personal Protective Equipment (PPEs) including overalls, heavy-duty gloves, gum boots, 20 non-contact hand washing facilities, and 20 jerry cans, with each (20 litres each) were distributed to Mukondo, Biwiriza, Bukere Outpost, and Bujubuli Health Centre IV. 

The four targeted health centers that received WASH kits are considered high-risk facilities due to the high number of outpatient consultations and in-patients in the hotspot areas of Kyaka II refugee Settlement, and Kyegegwa District with the interventions expected to benefit 3,348 patients and MTI staff.

These items are now supporting the operation and maintenance of the latrines, keeping them in good condition for better accessibility and hygiene. 

The improvements have enhanced hand hygiene practices and infection prevention measures among patients and healthcare workers, ultimately helping to prevent the spread of communicable diseases, including Mpox.

As Bukere Outpost continues to expand its services to the community, Joshua remains committed to ensuring that mothers and children receive the quality care they deserve. He continues to advocate for further improvements, such as additional fencing for the outpost and the construction of more latrine stalls for the staff.