Soroti City authorities have officially commissioned two multi-million projects worth over UGX 209 million, including the Soroti City Finance Building and a newly completed maternity ward at Moru Apesur Health Center III.
The projects, which began in March 2024 and were completed by June 2025, were funded through locally generated revenue.
One of the projects the maternity ward at Moru Apesur Health Center III was first initiated by Soroti City East MP, Hon. Herbert Edmond Ariko, who supported its construction up to the wall plate level before handing it over to the government for completion.
The other project, a renovation of the Soroti City Finance Department block, was undertaken to improve an existing structure in dire need of attention.
City Engineer Eng. Robert Kairu, who heads the construction department, praised the collaboration between the government, city council, and the community.
He noted that site meetings were conducted monthly to monitor challenges, progress, and gaps to ensure smooth implementation.
“The project at Moru Apesur was a continuation of the work up to wall plate level. We took it forward from roofing to plastering, spending UGX 113.2 million. JOJOHE Agencies Limited, the contractor, delivered quality work within the scheduled period between March and June 2025,” Eng. Kairu said.
He emphasized the need for operation and maintenance (O&M) of the new maternity ward, warning that without proper care, the building’s lifespan would be shortened.
He further revealed that the renovation of the Soroti City Finance Department block cost UGX 96 million, focusing on the roof and interior improvements.
Of this, the city has already paid UGX 43 million to the contractor, with a balance of UGX 52 million still pending due to limited local revenue inflows.
JOJOHE Agencies Managing Director, Mr. Ojoo James, confirmed that they were contracted last financial year and delivered the work within the agreed period.
He pointed out design challenges during implementation but thanked the city council for their cooperation.
He revealed that 90% of the UGX 113 million contract sum had been paid, with the remaining 10% retention expected within six months.
The Soroti City Resident City Commissioner (RCC) John Michael Okurut hailed the commissioning as a significant milestone, particularly for the people of Moru Apesur.
“I once visited this facility and found it complete but inaccessible because it had not been commissioned. Today marks accountability to the community, where both launching and commissioning are essential to transparency,” the RCC noted.
He further applauded the NRM government and President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni for prioritizing health infrastructure in their manifesto, and Hon. Ariko for initiating the project.
Deputy Mayor Juliet Ipagi appreciated the government for funding the maternity ward and called for additional financial support to renovate other health center blocks.
She also welcomed the renovation of the finance department block, which will reduce the burden of office space shortages.
Soroti City East Mayor, Paul Omer, echoed gratitude to the government, city authorities, and the family of the late Mzee Cuthbert Ojangor, who donated land for the health facility.
He called for additional staffing to support the maternity ward, noting it currently operates with only two staff.
Town Clerk Joseph Mwesigwa commended Hon. Ariko’s statesmanship and assured the public that the projects reflected community priorities.
“We have not eaten your money. Instead, we listened to your guidance and ensured delivery of what you entrusted us to implement,” he said.
Soroti City Health Officer, Dr. Alfred Anyonga, confirmed that UGX 114 million went into completing the maternity ward.
He explained that the project was executed in two phases: the first initiated by Hon. Ariko up to roofing, and the second completed through government support under PAC grants.
Dr. Anyonga praised the contractor for delivering a modern facility with delivery units, antenatal and postnatal sections, four wards each designed to host 10 beds, and an immunization room.
He noted the facility, located in the Eastern Division, serves a population of 37,000 people and recorded 911 deliveries between July 2024 and June 2025.
From July 2025 to date, it has already handled 406 births, highlighting the urgency for such infrastructure.
However, he cautioned that the maternity ward remains under staffed with only two midwives.
To fill service gaps, nearby private facilities such as Opuyo Medical Facility and Clinison Medical Center accredited by the Ministry of Health have partnered with Moru Apesur Health Center III in providing antenatal care, deliveries, immunizations, and nutritional supplements.
He emphasized the importance of strengthening public-private partnerships to improve health services.
The Chairperson of the Health Center Management Committee, Ms. Florence Ayupel, welcomed the completion of the project but called for more staffing to handle the expected surge in patients.
Local leaders and residents also shared their excitement.
LC1 Chairperson Justine Eligu said the project brought relief to the community after years of operating in small, cramped spaces.
Residents such as Ms. Nantube Esther Joan and Ms. Mary Lucy Amuge expressed gratitude, saying the new building provides adequate space, fresh air, and dignity for mothers during delivery.
They also praised the dedication and compassion of the nurses working at the facility.
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