HON. LINOS NGOMPEK PROPOSES MANDATORY HEALTHCARE UNITS IN ALL SCHOOLS AS PARLIAMENTARY SITTING ALSO DRAWS ATTENTION OVER SLEEPING MP

Parliament | 18 July 2026


Hon. Linos Ngompek, the Member of Parliament for Kibanda North, has proposed a policy that would require every school in Uganda to establish a fully operational healthcare unit staffed by a qualified laboratory technician and equipped with basic medical testing equipment.


While contributing during parliamentary proceedings, Hon. Ngompek said schools should no longer rely solely on nearby health facilities for basic medical services. He argued that learners spend a significant portion of their day at school and should have access to prompt medical assessment and treatment whenever health concerns arise.


According to the proposal, school health units would be expected to conduct basic laboratory tests, provide first-line medical care, detect illnesses early, and refer complicated cases to higher-level health facilities where necessary. The proposal is intended to strengthen disease surveillance, reduce absenteeism caused by preventable illnesses, and improve the overall health and safety of learners and school staff.
The proposal generated discussion among Members of Parliament, with several legislators acknowledging the importance of strengthening healthcare services within educational institutions as part of improving the quality of education and safeguarding students' welfare.


However, the day's sitting also attracted public attention for a lighter moment after one Member of Parliament appeared to fall asleep during the proceedings. The legislator was observed sitting quietly with eyes closed for several minutes before what appeared to be audible snoring drew the attention of nearby colleagues.


The incident quickly became a subject of conversation both within the parliamentary chamber and on social media, where clips and reactions circulated widely. Some online users reacted with humor, while others viewed the episode as an illustration of the physical demands placed on legislators, whose schedules often include long committee meetings, constituency engagements, and extended plenary sittings.


Despite the distraction, the Speaker did not interrupt the proceedings specifically over the incident, and parliamentary business continued as Members proceeded with debate on legislative matters.
The episode added an unexpected moment to a sitting that was otherwise focused on policy discussions, particularly Hon. Ngompek's proposal to strengthen healthcare services in schools nationwide.