By Mike Rwothomio

The Government of Uganda has officially commissioned Amwonyu Health Centre III in Aka Sub-county, Zombo District, a modern primary healthcare facility constructed at a total cost of UGX 2.651 billion under the World Bank-supported Uganda Intergovernmental Fiscal Transfers (UGIFT) Programme.

The newly upgraded and operational Health Centre III, gazetted effective 1 July 2025, is now fully equipped to deliver the Uganda Minimum Health Care Package, including basic emergency obstetric and newborn care, inpatient services, outpatient consultations, comprehensive antenatal and postnatal care, immunisation, family planning, HIV/TB management, minor surgical procedures, and basic laboratory and diagnostic services.

Key infrastructure comprises a maternity ward with delivery suite, general inpatient ward, a spacious Outpatient Department (OPD), two-unit staff quarters, a renovated former OPD now repurposed as additional staff housing for five personnel, full perimeter fencing, and advanced medical equipment worth UGX 405 million supplied in both phases.

Construction was executed in two phases: Phase I delivered the maternity and general ward at UGX 960 million plus UGX 205 million in specialised obstetric equipment; Phase II (FY 2024/2025) covered the OPD, staff housing and fencing at UGX 1.2 billion, supplemented by UGX 200 million in diagnostic and clinical equipment.

An additional UGX 86 million from district funds facilitated conversion of the old OPD into staff accommodation.

Following the upgrade, annual essential medicines and health supplies allocation has increased from UGX 14.07 million to UGX 40.09 million. Human resources for health have risen from two to sixteen personnel, achieving 96% of the previous staffing norm, with a structured roadmap to attain the revised Ministry of Health target of 55 health workers by 2031 in line with National Development Plan IV.

Amwonyu HC III has been designated one of only seven national model facilities under the UGIFT project and one of two in West Nile, positioning it as a benchmark site for donor monitoring and accountability.

During the commissioning ceremony attended by jubilant residents on Thursday , District Health Department confirmed that all new equipment has been delivered, adding that Minor defects identified are within the defects liability period and will be rectified at no extra cost.

Chief Administrative Officer’s representative Fred Cwothembu emphasised the need for 24-hour service availability, strict adherence to clinical guidelines, and community stewardship of the facility.

Ora County MP Hon. Songa Biyika Lawrence pledged to prioritise electrification and resolve water scarcity challenges.

Meanwhile the Assistant RDC of Zombo Bruno Mananu commended government for the initiative, urging locals in the area to prioritize their health.

Community leaders commended residents for exemplary cooperation during construction, with zero incidents of theft or disputes recorded.

Mothers described the facility as a transformative intervention that will significantly reduce maternal and perinatal mortality by ensuring skilled birth attendance and timely emergency obstetric care within the sub-county.

The commissioning of Amwonyu Health Centre III marks a critical milestone towards achieving universal health coverage and Sustainable Development Goal 3 in Zombo District.

The district experiences an influx of patients in its health facilities, most of which are located in the lower local government units situated along the Uganda-Democratic Republic of Congo border.

Last year, the district also commissioned Otheko Health Centre III, which has bridged the healthcare gap for the over-20,000-person rural and predominantly agrarian community of Paidha Sub-County.

The commissioning of Amwonyu adds to the nearly 17 health facilities in Zombo serving the district's population of over 300,000 people.

The commissioning of Amwonyu Health center III

Mike Rwothomio is news editor at zoomer Africa, your number one grassroot information hub