By Our Reporter
SOROTI CITY
The government has allocated sh2 billion for infrastructure development at Soroti Regional Referral Hospital in Soroti City.
For almost ten years, Uganda’s Parliament has consistently highlighted the declining state of this Hospital during discussions on the national health budget and government accountability, urging that the facility’s outdated infrastructure is insufficient for the millions who rely on it.
Despite repeated government assurances and plans for redevelopment, the hospital continues to function in outdated facilities from the mid-20th century, highlighting the disparity between Uganda’s healthcare aspirations and the necessary infrastructure.
Since its establishment as a Regional Referral Hospital in 1996, Soroti has served as the main referral facility for the Teso sub-region and beyond, catering to a growing catchment population of approximately 2.7 million, despite minimal changes to its physical infrastructure over nearly thirty years.
Hospital medics have repeatedly expressed concern that, despite the facility’s expanded mandate, no significant infrastructure improvements have taken place since it became a referral center, leaving many buildings over 80 years old in disrepair and causing severe overcrowding in outpatient services, wards, and diagnostic areas as patient numbers surge past original capacity.
Moses Attan Okia, the MP for Soroti City East, announced that the hospital will receive a Sh2 billion off-budget allocation from the Ministry of Health, with Sh1.5 billion dedicated to constructing a new theatre and Sh500 million to repair the oxygen plant as well as the roofs of the male and female surgical wards, originally built in 1924 as a syphilis center for World War returnees.
The announcement was made during the Shekinah Praise celebration held at Erimu College in Soroti City on Sunday, August 16, 2026, an event organized by renowned Teso gospel artist Mary Mwanika of the Pentecostal Assemblies of God (P.A.G) Soroti City Church-Agip.
Attan noted that the hospital’s infrastructure has deteriorated significantly, with electrical wiring dating back to the 1940s. This outdated system has led to electric shocks affecting medical staff in the theatre.
Attan, representing the Kumi Municipality MP Silus Aogon as chief guest, expressed that they are advocating for the Ministry of Health to fulfill the commitment outlined in bullet 10 on page 135 of the 2026-2031 NRM manifesto regarding the renovation and expansion of Soroti Regional Referral Hospital.
He mentioned that they are also addressing the recruitment of staff, procurement of equipment, and electricity connections for the newly completed Otatai H/C 3, which will help alleviate congestion at Eastern Division Health Centre 3, the regional referral hospital, and Princess Diana Health Centre IV.
The MP expressed gratitude to the gospel artists for uplifting souls and strengthening faith, encouraging them to persevere through challenges with discipline and integrity as they continue to serve their audiences.
“The gospel artists uplift and heal us through their music, inspiring politicians like us during challenging times,” he said.
Geoffrey Omolo, the LC5 Chairperson of Katakwi, reflected on how his lifelong dedication to church services, starting from his youth, led him to roles as an interpreter, youth leader, pastor, reverend, and ultimately a politician.
“Between 2000 and 2001, while studying in Soroti, I dedicated my free time to the church, attending early morning services, participating in Saturday prayer and fasting, and experiencing a profound spiritual awakening that has guided my journey from youth leader to pastor, reverand and now to LC5 Chairperson.
Ben Okiria, the Pallisa District LC5 Chairperson, emphasized the need for worshipers to continue praying for leaders, highlighting the significance of divine guidance for addressing community needs while sharing his deep-rooted commitment to faith through song.
A lifelong worshiper, Okiria led the congregation in one of his favorite praise songs, ‘Emalata lo asubi Akuj keda Akwap’ (Let us praise the God who made the Heavens and Earth), expressing how much this song enriches his spiritual journey.
“I grew up in the church, and my commitment remains strong. As I serve the Lord in my role as LC5 Chairperson, I always remember that I’m still a child in the house of God,” Okiria shared.
Soroti Regional Referral Hospital was established in the mid-1920s as a treatment center for syphilis. It later became a district hospital in 1978 and was officially elevated to a regional referral hospital in 1996.
