Soroti, Uganda | Soroti City authorities have officially commissioned two major 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, funded through locally generated revenue, began in March 2024 and were completed by June 2025.
The Moru Apesur maternity ward was first initiated by Soroti City East MP, Hon. Herbert Edmond Ariko, who supported construction up to wall plate level before handing over the project to government for completion.
The finance department block, meanwhile, underwent urgent renovations after deteriorating conditions affected service delivery.
City Engineer Eng. Robert Kairu praised the collaboration between government, city authorities, and the community.
He revealed that the maternity ward cost UGX 113.2 million, with JOJOHE Agencies Limited handling roofing, plastering, and finishing works.
He warned that neglecting proper maintenance could shorten the lifespan of the facility.
The finance block renovation, focusing on roofing and interiors, cost UGX 96 million, with UGX 43 million paid and UGX 52 million pending due to limited local revenue inflows.
Mr. Ojoo James, Managing Director of JOJOHE Agencies, confirmed that his company delivered the projects on schedule despite design challenges, adding that the remaining retention payment would be released within six months.
The Soroti City Resident City Comissioner (RCC) John Micheal Okurut described the commissioning as a “major milestone” for the Moru Apesur community.
He hailed the NRM government and President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni for prioritizing health infrastructure as outlined in their manifesto and commended Hon. Ariko for initiating the project.
Deputy Mayor Juliet Ipagi welcomed the funding for the maternity ward and called for additional resources to renovate other health facilities.
She also praised the renovation of the finance department block, noting it would ease office space challenges.
Soroti City East Mayor Paul Omer thanked the government, city council, and the late Mzee Cuthbert Ojangor’s family, who donated land for the facility.
He urged the recruitment of more health workers to support the currently understaffed maternity ward.
Town Clerk Joseph Mwesigwa assured residents that all funds were accounted for and that the projects reflected community priorities.
Soroti City Health Officer Dr. Alfred Anyonga revealed that the maternity ward serves a population of 37,000 people, with 911 deliveries recorded between July 2024 and June 2025, and an additional 406 deliveries already registered since July 2025.
The facility features delivery units, antenatal and postnatal sections, four wards with 10 beds each, and an immunization room.
He noted that private health facilities, including Opuyo Medical Facility and Clinison Medical Centre, are partnering to fill service gaps.
The Chairperson of the Health Center Management Committee, Ms. Florence Ayupel, appealed for more staff to strengthen services.
LC1 Chairperson Justine Eligu described it as a relief for a community that had long struggled with inadequate space, while residents, including Ms. Nantube Esther Joan and Ms. Mary Lucy Amuge, praised the new ward for offering dignity, space, and better conditions for mothers.