By Henry Okello
TORORO
Tororo Municipality has a new chief health officer with a zero-tolerance stance on absenteeism, as Dr. Andrew Opete officially took over as Municipal Medical Officer from Dr. Jagire Onyango during a handover ceremony on Thursday 28th May, 2026.
Dr. Opete steps into the role after Dr. Jagire’s promotion to Tororo District Local Government as District Health Officer, following the retirement of former DHO Dr. Okoth Obbo. Dr. Jagire had served the municipal position for over three years.
In his inaugural address, Dr. Opete made discipline his first priority and promised a patient-centered health department.
“I pledge to run a health department that is not going to arrogantly stress patients at different facilities within the municipality,” he said.
“I ask health workers to continue exhibiting high levels of professionalism characterized by dedicated service so that the general public may enjoy the works of their hands.”
He identified absenteeism and late reporting by some medical workers as the key trigger he will use to transform service delivery.
“Ending absenteeism and late reporting to duty by a section of medical workers will be the yardstick in transforming the health department of Tororo municipality,” Dr. Opete declared.
Outgoing officer, Dr. Jagire used the handover to flag an urgent unfinished project. He asked Dr. Opete to follow up on the stalled construction of the proposed Nyangole Health Centre III.
The Ministry of Health had allocated close to Shs 500 million for an Outpatient Department and laboratory, but the funds proved insufficient to complete the structures.
“I want Dr. Opete to closely follow this matter so that the people of Nyangole can start getting close services at the proposed facility,” Dr. Jagire said.
Tororo Municipality Deputy Town Clerk Okoth Kitong, who witnessed the handover at the Municipal Medical Office, praised Dr. Jagire for his commitment and challenged the new officer to match it.
“Walk in Dr. Jagire’s shoes of commitment,” Kitong urged.
He also called on Dr. Opete to intensify sensitization of the masses on preventable diseases to reduce the health burden in the municipality.
The Tororo Municipal Council Medical Officer plays a critical role in superintending the health and wellbeing of municipal residents, from maternal care to disease surveillance.
