His Grace Emmanuel Obbo, the Archbishop of Tororo, has emphasized the urgent need for a collective effort to enhance health services in Uganda, particularly in Tororo.
Speaking at a fundraising ceremony aimed at refurbishing St. Anthony Hospital in Tororo, held last evening at Hotel Africana, Archbishop Obbo warned that any compromise in healthcare could jeopardize the government’s initiatives for economic growth and development.
During his address, the Archbishop commended local leaders from the Tororo sub-region for their continued support of the Catholic Church’s initiatives focused on improving social services.
He specifically acknowledged the presence of the Speaker of Parliament, Annet Anita Among, who has been instrumental in these efforts.
Speaker Among actively participated in the fundraising event, contributing a total of 60 million shillings comprising donations from President Museveni (20 million shillings), Hon. Moses Magogo (10 million shillings), General Muhoozi Kainerugaba (15 million shillings), and an additional 15 million shillings from her own resources.
St. Anthony Hospital, located at the foot of Tororo Rock and originally established in the late 1960s by the Franciscan Sisters, is now managed by the Tororo Archdiocese.
To continue providing essential services to thousands of patients across the Bukedi sub-region, the hospital requires at least 1.6 billion shillings for refurbishments.
The Archbishop highlighted the pressing need for restoration, stressing that the hospital’s deteriorating facilities are increasingly putting pressure on the quality of care offered to patients.
Dr. Anthony Okoth, CEO of St. Anthony Hospital, echoed the Archbishop’s sentiments, pointing out the dire state of essential medical equipment which has become unreliable due to age and lack of maintenance.
He stressed the importance of upgrading the hospital to a teaching facility, which would enhance its capacity to serve the community better.
As the call for improved health services resonates, the fundraising efforts are seen as a critical step toward revitalizing healthcare infrastructure in the region, with local leaders and community members coming together to support this vital cause.
By Francis Jjunju
12th April 2025
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