ALICE K
St. Theresa of Lisieux Rweibaale has officially been elevated to hospital status following the grand opening of its new birth center, a milestone celebrated with a solemn Mass held at the facility’s premises in Kyenjojo District.
Presiding over the ceremony, last week, the Archbishop of Mbarara Archdiocese, His Grace Lambert Bainomugisha, applauded the Banyatereza Sisters for their unwavering commitment to serving communities in need. He said the newly upgraded hospital symbolizes healing, hope and compassion for the people of Rweibaale and beyond.
According to Archbishop Bainomugisha, a hospital must be a place where “God’s goodness rises through the work of human hands.” He urged the staff and the community to welcome Christ in every person who walks through the facility especially the sick, the suffering, and strangers in need of care.
Fort Portal Diocese grateful
The Bishop of Fort Portal Catholic Diocese, Rt. Rev. Dr. Robert Muhiirwa, hailed the achievement as a testament to God’s providence and to the Church’s enduring mission of bringing Christ’s healing presence to His people.
Bishop Muhiirwa said the Diocese rejoices in this milestone, which strengthens their shared responsibility to protect the sanctity of life and ensure holistic healthcare, particularly for mothers and children. He encouraged residents around the hospital to make full use of the services now available.
How it started
Hospital Director Dr. Sr. Priscilla Busingye recounted the humble beginnings of the facility, which started as a small dispensary in 1995 run by the Daughters of St. Theresa of the Child Jesus (Banyatereza Sisters). The dispensary initially offered basic treatment for malaria, diarrhea, cough, and other common illnesses first under a tree in the convent compound, then on the house veranda, later in a temporary shelter, and eventually in a modest room within the Sisters’ residence.
The first permanent structure, housing outpatient and inpatient departments, a laboratory, pharmacy, store, and administrative offices, was completed in February 2010. Sr. Busingye said the facility has since seen consistent growth in patient numbers, boosted by expanded services such as maternity care and birth-injury camps. St. Theresa of Lisieux Hospital now has 125 beds.
The State Minister for Primary Healthcare Margaret Muhanga Mugisa, praised the Banyatereza Sisters and the Fort Portal Catholic Diocese for their initiative, calling it a significant contribution to government efforts to improve healthcare and accelerate socio-economic transformation. She urged health workers to uphold compassion, kindness, and professionalism in their service.
Muhanga also appealed to the public to embrace healthy practices, including proper nutrition, child immunization, and the prevention of gender-based violence.