Lira City — Uganda’s Minister of Health, Dr. Jane Ruth Aceng Ocero, on Tuesday officially commissioned a newly constructed Outpatient Department (OPD) and maternity ward at Ayago Health Centre III, a project funded by the Bank of Uganda at a cost of Shs430 million.
Dr. Aceng, who served as the chief guest at the ceremony, praised the Bank of Uganda for its contribution and commended Akol Holdings, the contractor, for executing what she described as “excellent work.”
She revealed that most health facilities in Lira City have either been newly constructed or renovated in recent years and reaffirmed her commitment to further improving local healthcare. “We shall soon provide an ultrasound machine to Ayago Health Centre III and Ober Health Centre IV,” she announced, drawing applause from the audience.
The event also became a platform for broader development discussions. Dr. Aceng lent her support to a proposal by Lira City Mayor, Atul Sam, who urged the Bank of Uganda Governor, Dr. Michael Atingi-Ego, to consider setting up a regional BoU branch in Lira City.
“Lira is among the top revenue-generating cities in Uganda,” Mayor Atul stated. “We even have land available to offer for the construction of a Bank of Uganda currency center.”
Dr. Aceng echoed the mayor’s sentiments. “The people of Lira need this branch, and it should not take too long. We need to see faster progress,” she said.
In response, Dr. Atingi-Ego acknowledged the city’s growing economic significance but noted that Lira had not yet met the central bank’s criteria for a branch. “However,” he added, “we are reviewing our framework as the economic landscape evolves. Lira’s case will be reassessed.”
The new maternity and OPD wards are expected to significantly improve service delivery at Ayago Health Centre III, especially for expectant mothers and outpatient clients.
