UPDF begins construction of sh500m maternity ward in Katakwi

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The Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) Engineering Brigade has commenced construction of a sh500 million maternity ward at Akurao Health Centre II in Toroma sub-county, Katakwi district.

The project is part of the government’s drive to upgrade every sub-county health centre to a health centre III level, ensuring that essential maternal and child health services are brought closer to local communities.

Katakwi district health officer, Dr Icumar Simon Omeke, said Akurao Health Centre II serves more than 14,000 people but has been operating without maternal health services.

He explained that the new maternity ward will provide immunisation, antenatal and delivery services, greatly improving access to care for mothers and children.

Dr Icumar noted that despite progress, gaps remain in the district, with some sub-counties still lacking functional health facilities.

Katakwi LC5 chairperson, Geofrey Omolo, highlighted ongoing improvements under his leadership, including the upgrading of Health Centre IIs such as Okoritok, Akoboi, Aliakamer and Palma to Health Centre III status.

He added that Aakum Health Centre II is next in line for upgrading.

On education, Omolo said the district has opened six seed secondary schools, while water and road infrastructure projects are also progressing.

He encouraged residents to give the current leadership more time to complete ongoing projects, saying development is being balanced across the district’s three counties.

Community members commended district leaders for prioritising healthcare and road construction, saying these interventions will significantly improve service delivery.

They added that many residents previously had to walk more than seven kilometres to access maternal health services.