Residents of Agora Ward in Soroti City have come together to clean the Agora Health Center III, as the government prepares to take over and upgrade the facility to Health Center IV status.
The cleanup exercise, held today, comes as construction of the first structure is expected to be completed by January 2025.
The initiative follows the government’s proposal to upgrade the health center, aligning with the national policy to ensure every constituency has a Health Center IV.
This development aims to bring essential medical services closer to the people of Agora and surrounding areas, significantly reducing the burden of traveling long distances for healthcare.
Agora Health Center III was initially established in 2021 through the efforts of Hon. Jonathan Ebwalu, Member of Parliament for Soroti City West.
Recognizing the urgent need for improved healthcare, Hon. Ebwalu mobilized resources and stakeholders to initiate the construction of the facility as a community health center.
However, under the new government policy, the Ministry of Health is now overseeing its upgrade to Health Center IV status.
Speaking during the cleanup exercise, community members expressed their excitement and optimism about the upgrade.
“We came here to clear the bushes after hearing that the ministry is taking over this health center which was started by Hon. Ebwalu. We are so excited because we know this will bring health services closer to us,” one resident said.
The residents also highlighted the challenges they have faced in accessing healthcare. Many are forced to travel long distances to Obuku, Soroti Main Hospital, or Kamuda Health Center III for treatment.
The situation has been particularly difficult for expectant mothers and critically ill patients.
“Expectant mothers have often died on their way to Soroti Main Hospital due to the long distance and poor road network. With this upgrade, it will now be easier for us to access medical services,” said local council leaders, including the chairpersons of LC1 and LC2.
The leaders lauded the residents’ commitment to the cleanup exercise as a sign of the community’s eagerness to welcome the upgraded health facility.
Dr. Alfred Anyonga, the Soroti City Health Officer, acknowledged the community’s efforts and provided insight into the government’s plans.
“By January next year, the Ministry of Health will deploy medical workers to Agora Health Center IV, and the construction of additional facilities will follow,” Dr. Anyonga announced.
The upgrade has also received support from leaders in the Soroti City West Council.
Hon. Daniel Okello, the Speaker of Soroti City West Council, commended the Ministry of Health for prioritizing the upgrade, emphasizing that it aligns with the council’s vision to improve healthcare access across the city.
“As a council, we have already endorsed this proposal, and we are fully behind this initiative to improve services for our people,” Hon. Okello said.
In addition to Agora Health Center’s progress, Hon. Isaac Askau, City Councilor for Soroti City West, revealed that construction of Arapai Health Center III is also underway.
This follows the council’s resolution to upgrade the former Health Center II in Arapai, which will similarly be taken over by the Ministry of Health.
Hon. Jonathan Ebwalu, whose initial efforts led to the establishment of Agora Health Center III, reiterated his commitment to lobbying for improved services in the constituency.
“My work as a Member of Parliament is to ensure that my electorates have access to better health services and education. These are basic needs that our people have been lacking for a long time, and I will continue working to address these challenges,” he stated.
The cleanup exercise reflects the strong sense of ownership and unity among the Agora community.
Residents are hopeful that the health center’s upgrade will transform the delivery of healthcare services in the region, saving lives and easing their daily struggles.
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