Lira, Uganda – President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has paid tribute to the victims of the Barlonyo massacre, a brutal attack orchestrated by Joseph Kony’s Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA) during the insurgency in Northern Uganda.
His visit to Barlonyo, Lira District, was marked by the commissioning of Barlonyo Health Centre III, a critical step toward improving healthcare access for the local community.
The Barlonyo massacre remains one of the darkest moments in Uganda’s history, where hundreds of innocent civilians lost their lives.
Speaking at the event, President Museveni commended the resilience of the people of Barlonyo and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to supporting them.
He urged residents to actively engage in government programs such as the Parish Development Model (PDM) and Emyooga, emphasizing that economic empowerment through commercial agriculture (with Ekibaro), enterprise and skills development is the surest way to prosperity.
“The government has laid out clear programs to uplift households from poverty. If Ugandans embrace these initiatives, we shall achieve sustainable economic growth,” the President stated.
The commissioning of Barlonyo Health Centre III is expected to enhance healthcare delivery in the region, providing essential medical services closer to the people.
The facility will cater to thousands, easing the burden on larger hospitals and ensuring that communities have reliable access to treatment.
Speaking during the event, Denis Okabo, the In-Charge of Barlonyo Health Centre III, expressed gratitude to the government for the facility, emphasizing its impact on maternal and child health, emergency response and disease treatment.
“This health center is a lifeline for our people. For years, residents had to travel long distances to access medical care. Now, we can offer quality services closer to home. We call on the government to continue supporting us with adequate staffing, medical supplies and infrastructure improvements,” Okabo stated.
Residents and local leaders welcomed the development, appreciating the government’s continued efforts to improve service delivery in previously war-affected areas.
They also expressed optimism that increased investment in healthcare, infrastructure, and economic empowerment programs will transform Barlonyo into a thriving community.
The visit reaffirmed the government’s commitment to rebuilding war-affected regions, strengthening public services, and promoting economic self-reliance as a path to lasting peace and development.
