Lira, Uganda | Lira City Council has officially taken over the newly constructed Punuluru Health Centre III from Buildmast Engineering Ltd, in a handover ceremony held today at Anai Pida Village, Lira City.
Speaking at the event, Ocen Geoffrey, the Senior Medical Clinical Officer and In-Charge of Punuluru Health Centre III, urged residents to safeguard the facility.
He committed to transforming it into a modern health centre, but pointed out key challenges, including the lack of a borehole for clean water, absence of critical diagnostic equipment such as a microscope, and delays in opening the facility’s bank account.
Ocen revealed that the health centre currently has 13 staff members, including nurses, midwives, laboratory personnel, security officers, and support staff.
However, this number falls far below the 55 staff members required by the Ministry of Health for a Health Centre III.
He expressed optimism that staffing levels would be improved as resources become available.
The facility was constructed by Buildmast Engineering Ltd, which was commended by multiple speakers for delivering high-quality work.
Ogwal Denis, Chairperson of the Health Management Committee, applauded the government and city leadership for prioritizing this neglected area of Lira City.
James Omara Elem, Lira City’s Secretary for Finance and Administration, praised Mayor Sam Atul for securing the land—purchased at UGX 13 million—on which the facility was built.
He also commended the elderly woman who sold the land, urging the city to name a road in her honour for her contribution to public health.
Omara further stated that health workers deployed to the centre were selected based on merit and clean records.
Lira City Town Clerk Vincent Okurut, who assumed office in July 2024, said he was proud to witness the successful handover of a project he found pending.
He assured the community that the facility’s bank account would be opened within a week, subject to clearance from the Resident City Commissioner (RCC).
Okurut called for community cooperation in maintaining the facility and emphasized collaboration between the Health Management Committee and City Health Officers to solve the ongoing challenges.
Youth councillor Oluma Hagad encouraged residents, especially pregnant women and HIV-positive individuals on ART, to utilize the available services to boost the centre’s visibility and relevance.
Mayor Sam Atul acknowledged the difficulties encountered during the early phases of construction, citing disputes related to allowances during the land acquisition process.
He said that despite funding issues that temporarily stalled the project, the contractor went ahead with the construction work using personal resources.
Atul attributed Lira City’s number one national ranking in health service delivery in FY 2023/24 to the commitment of Dr. Jane Ruth Aceng Ocero, the area Woman MP and Minister of Health.
He cautioned health workers against misconduct, particularly drug theft and patient mistreatment, and urged them to serve with integrity and professionalism.
Resident City Commissioner Lawrence Egole echoed the Mayor’s warnings, stating that the government, under President Yoweri Museveni, is determined to deliver services to every corner of the country.
He urged the people of Lango to reject leaders who impede progress and emphasized that the facility must benefit both present and future generations.
Egole warned health workers against diverting drugs or misusing government resources, noting that any culprits would be held accountable without exception.
