NEBBI, UGANDA: Government has injected Shs96.7 million into the renovation and remodelling of the maternity block at Oweko Health Centre II in Nebbi District, in a targeted intervention to reduce maternal and child mortality.
The project, funded under the Primary Health Care Development Grant, was officially handed over to the contractor on Monday at Oweko Health Centre II in Ndwe Sub-county.
Nebbi District Health Officer, Dr. Justine Okwairwoth, said the upgrade is part of a broader government strategy to strengthen maternal and child healthcare services, especially at lower-level health facilities.
He noted that Health Centre IIs and IIIs play a critical role in delivering essential services including maternity care, outpatient services, and basic laboratory support.
“With the renovation and installation of essential medical equipment, including delivery beds, this facility will significantly improve maternal and child healthcare services,” Dr. Okwairwoth said.
He added that the project will reduce the long distances expectant mothers travel to access maternity services, a key factor contributing to maternal risks.
According to district health data, the number of women seeking maternity services at Oweko Health Centre II increased by 29 per cent between 2024 and 2025, reflecting growing demand across the eight parishes served by the facility.
Senior Assistant Engineer James Kubi said the renovation works, being undertaken by Hassan and Sons Business Ltd, are expected to be completed within four months under the 2025/2026 financial year.
He noted that the project is expected to directly address maternal health risks faced by vulnerable women in rural communities.
The in-charge of Oweko Health Centre II, Kerunega John, welcomed the intervention, saying it will ease the burden on mothers who previously had to travel long distances in search of maternity services.
“As health workers and the community, we appreciate the government for undertaking this project, which will greatly support mothers who have been struggling to access these services,” he said.
Hassan Taban, Director of Hassan and Sons Business Ltd, pledged to deliver quality work within the agreed timeline.
“We are committed to delivering value for money and completing the project within the four-month timeframe,” he said.
Chairperson of the Health Unit Management Committee, Kasamba Kennedy, said the renovation will help address long-standing maternal health challenges in the area.
Nebbi District Secretary for Finance and Economic Planning, Kissa Lawrence Ojok, described the project as a significant step toward improving access to essential maternity services.
“I urge the community to work closely with the contractor to ensure the success of this project so that it serves its intended purpose,” he said.
Resident District Commissioner Abark Robert cautioned residents to closely monitor the construction process to prevent misuse of materials and ensure quality work.
If you would like your article/opinion to be published on Uganda’s most authoritative news platform, send your submission on: [email protected]. You can also follow DailyExpress on WhatsApp and on Twitter (X) for realtime updates.
