By Kaboha
Stakeholders from across the Rwenzori sub-region, including religious leaders, cooperatives, civil society organizations, political leaders, security agencies and public health institutions, have commended Kitojo Integrated Development Action (KIDA) for successfully rolling out a community-based health insurance scheme that is improving access to healthcare for thousands of people.
The praise was expressed during KIDA’s annual stakeholders’ meeting held on Wednesday at the organization’s headquarters in Kitojo Zone, Rwaihamba Parish, Ruteete Sub-county, Kabarole District.
KIDA, formerly known as Kitojo Integrated Development Association, was founded in 1999 in response to the challenges facing rural communities, including widespread poverty, high disease burden particularly HIV/AIDS limited access to health services, increasing school dropouts, and the growing number of vulnerable children and orphans.
Speaking at the meeting, Rev. Canon Ezra Musobozi, one of the founders of KIDA, said the Kitojo Community Health Insurance Plan (KICHIP) was introduced to reduce out-of-pocket medical expenses among vulnerable households and to enable members to seek healthcare without fear of unaffordable medical bills.
Capacity building
Rev. Canon Musobozi explained that KICHIP operates under a group-based model, where individuals must be registered under an existing community group through which premiums and other contributions are paid. He noted that KIDA regularly conducts community sensitization, builds the capacity of member groups, and shares quarterly performance reports with group leaders and Community Leaders Committees (CLCs).
He further revealed that the scheme currently works with over 20 community groups, enrolling more than 2,000 members across the region. However, he clarified that the insurance package does not cover chronic illnesses such as cancer and diabetes, nor self-inflicted injuries.
Increased House hold income
Stakeholders applauded the initiative, noting that it has eased the financial burden on families and strengthened health-seeking behavior within communities.
Ms. Sharon Kensita from Enable Uganda, a partner organization supporting health service delivery in the Rwenzori region, commended KIDA for its consistency and commitment to serving hard-to-reach communities.
She said the partnership with KIDA has helped extend affordable and, in some cases, free health services to vulnerable populations, contributing to improved community wellbeing.
Stakeholders called for increased collaboration and support to enable KIDA to expand the insurance scheme and reach more communities across the region.