By Henry Okello
TORORO
Patients in Bukedi Sub-region will soon access advanced scans and lab tests closer to home after Archbishop Emmanuel Obbo of Tororo Archdiocese launched construction of a 1.9 billion shilling Modern Diagnostic Centre at St. Anthony Hospital.
Speaking at the ground-breaking ceremony on Friday, 8th May, 2026, Archbishop Obbo said the facility will transform healthcare delivery across the sub-region.
“This centre will bring advanced medical diagnosis closer to our people,” Archbishop Obbo said. “The new unit will cut costs for patients who have long been referred for such services as far as Kampala and Mbale.”
He noted that families have been spending heavily on transport and accommodation just to get a scan or lab test. “That burden will now reduce,” he added.
Tororo Resident District Commissioner, Hajji Sadik Bategana commended the Catholic Church for partnering with government to improve health services.
“I applaud the Church for cooperating with the government. The Catholic Church has always complemented government efforts in the health and education sectors,” Bateganya said.
St. Anthony Hospital Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Anthony Okoth said the lack of diagnostic equipment has forced the hospital to refer many cases.
“We have faced challenges handling patients who needed diagnostic services. We have been referring many cases out due to lack of equipment,” Dr. Okoth said. “Once installed, this centre will improve the quality of health services we offer.”
Construction of the Modern Diagnostic Centre is expected to begin immediately.
Hospital management is optimistic the facility will be a game-changer for healthcare delivery in Bukedi and neighbouring sub-regions.
The 1.9 billion shilling project will house modern imaging and laboratory equipment to serve Tororo District and the wider Bukedi Sub-region.
