A section of Village Health Team (VHT) members in Nyamwamba Division, Kasese Municipality, have appealed to government to consider providing retirement packages in recognition of their long-standing voluntary service.
The VHT members, who operate at village level offering first aid and basic community health services, say they have dedicated many years to supporting government health programmes without receiving a fixed salary. As some approach retirement age, they are calling for financial support as appreciation for their contribution to public health.
While presenting their concerns to district leaders at Kasese Municipal Council Health Centre III on Tuesday, Mr. Mitusere Masereka and Mrs. Zeresi Lahuka, both VHT members, urged government to introduce a modest retirement package for volunteers exiting active service.
“We have served the government for a long time without any fixed pay. We ask for a simple retirement package, similar to what government provides to its workers,” the VHT representatives said.
They also appealed for consideration under the Parish Development Model (PDM), suggesting that long-serving VHTs be prioritised to benefit from the income-generating programme as they transition out of active community service.
In response, the Assistant Resident District Commissioner for Kasese Municipality, Mrs. Justin Muhindo, commended the VHTs for their dedication and vital role in strengthening primary healthcare at the grassroots.
She acknowledged that concerns regarding VHT welfare have been raised at national level and said government is expected to consider the matter. However, she encouraged the volunteers to actively participate in existing government initiatives, including the PDM, to improve their household incomes.
Meanwhile, the Kasese District Health Educator, Mrs. Agnes Mbambu, urged VHT members to continue serving as role models in promoting preventive health practices within their communities.
She also disclosed that the district health department plans to conduct an update to establish the number of active VHTs across the district, as part of efforts to streamline community health services.