Lira, Uganda | Patrick Ongom Aregedeng, the Member of Parliament representing Erute North in Lira District, has begun fulfilling the pledges he made during the 2026 election campaigns. This marks the first of many ways his constituents will experience the benefits of his leadership over the next five years.
Speaking on Wednesday, July 22, 2026, thousands of Erute North residents gathered at Aromo Health Centre III to welcome their MP for the official launch of a brand-new ambulance. The vehicle was delivered to improve healthcare standards in the region, where many lives have been lost due to the lack of a quick, modern mobile ambulance to serve the community.
MP Patrick Ongom added that this ambulance will help fight against all kinds of sicknesses that require referral to either Lira Regional Referral Hospital or Mulago Hospital, as it is fully equipped with everything a modern standard ambulance needs. He encouraged all residents to report any sickness that requires referral to the authorities in time, in order to prevent unnecessary deaths—especially among pregnant mothers.
Addressing the people of Lira District, RCM Okello Orik said that while the government had donated a brand-new ambulance to the district, the district leaders agreed that it should be sent to serve the people of Erute South, leaving Erute North without one. He emphasized that this new ambulance is therefore a great relief and will go a long way in serving the people of Erute North.
The Chairman also urged the local community not to misuse this opportunity as they continue to wait for another ambulance from the government pool. He called on all residents to report any medical emergencies promptly, noting that the ambulance has come at the right time when the community needs it most. He described the gesture as a sign of kindness and unity that their beloved MP has shown in just two months since he took the oath of office.
Joyce Amule, the Lira District Councilor representing Aromo and also the Vice Secretary for Education, Health, and Community-Based Services, appreciated the MP’s efforts to reduce the high rates of maternal deaths. She noted that many women have been giving birth at home due to lack of transport to nearby hospitals. She further pointed out that many pregnant mothers lose their babies—or both mother and child die—due to the poor state of roads. She called upon all elected leaders in Lira District to prioritize improving the bad roads in the area.
Fiona Angom, a resident of Aromo, stated that even though they have now received the ambulance, the community still faces another challenge: the lack of drugs in health facilities. She noted that most government hospitals, including Aromo Health Centre III, do not have adequate medicines, yet the facility serves patients from neighboring districts such as Oyam, Pader, and Omoro.
Docus Apio cited that the shortage of medical staff at health facilities is now increasing domestic conflicts in many families. This happens because a mother can leave for a health facility early in the morning and only return home around 6–7 PM. She added that the few staff members available often report late, and when there are many patients, it consumes a lot of time, further straining the community.