Kacheri health centre III upgrade to Health Centre IV begins in 3 weeks

13 January 2025, 3:30 pm

By Bondry Kilenga

The planned upgrade of Kacheri Health Centre III to Health Centre IV status by the Ministry of Health, under the Karamoja Infrastructure Development Project Phase 2, is set to commence in three weeks.

Dr Cerino Achar, the Kotido District Health Officer, confirmed the development while speaking to our reporter. He added that the authorities had already handed over the site, located in Kacheri town council, to the contractors, Mangron Investment Limited, with work set to commence in three weeks.

According to Dr Achar, the 4.28 billion Ugandan shillings project, under the Karamoja Infrastructure Development Project Phase 2, will see Kotido district benefit from various initiatives, including the upgrade of Kacheri Health Centre III, improvements to facilities at Lokitelaebu Health Centre III, and the construction of the District Health Department offices.

At Kacheri Health Centre, a modernised theatre, maternity ward, outpatient department, and four-stance pit latrines will be constructed. At Lokitelaebu Health Centre III, a four-stance pit latrine will be built, along with the supply of medical equipment, among other improvements.

Paul Komol Lotee, the Kotido LC5 Chairperson, stated that the upgrade, expected to take 18 months, will address the issue of emergency referrals to the general hospital, as operations will be carried out at the facility.

Komol added that the upgrade of Kacheri Health Centre will also improve healthcare service delivery and access for the communities of Kapeeta, Maaru, Longaroe, and Kacheri sub-counties.

Charles Ichogor, the Kotido RDC, however, warned locals against vandalising and stealing materials from the site, alleging that such acts are common in the area. He stated that these actions frustrate the contractors, leading to delays in the completion of the project.