Pregnant women and children celebrated on Wednesday as the Bank of Uganda Ayago Health Centre upgrade led to the unveiling of a new Outpatient Department (OPD) in Lira City. The Bank of Uganda funded this major development with a Shs430 million investment to improve healthcare in this fast-growing suburb.
The upgrade included building a new OPD, renovating the old OPD and maternity ward, and supplying essential medical equipment. Importantly, this project is part of the central bank’s corporate social responsibility efforts to boost local healthcare.
Dr Michael Atingi-Ego, Governor of the Bank of Uganda, stressed the bank’s commitment to inclusive development. While the bank’s main role is to maintain price stability and financial soundness, Dr Atingi-Ego explained that “health is a core enabler of productivity, resilience, and national competitiveness.” Moreover, macroeconomic stability depends on strong human capital.
The bank chose Ayago Health Centre because of its strategic location near the Lira-Kitgum Highway. This area has nearly 2,500 residents and promising investment prospects. Dr Atingi-Ego added that the region’s infrastructure, security, and innovative farming make it ideal for sustainable projects like this upgrade.
Meanwhile, Dr Emmanuel Odongo, in charge of Ayago Health Centre, expressed deep gratitude for the Bank of Uganda Ayago Health Centre upgrade. He said, “This magnificent building will greatly improve our service delivery.” His words reflect the community’s high hopes.
Additionally, Mr Vincent Okurut, Lira City Town Clerk, praised the bank’s support. He promised close supervision of service delivery and pledged to recruit more staff across city health facilities next financial year to boost effectiveness.
Furthermore, Health Minister Dr Jane Ruth Aceng, who also serves as Lira City Woman MP, commended the Bank of Uganda for its ongoing support to maternal and child health since 2016. She praised the facelift of 13 health facilities by the bank, noting their role in reducing maternal mortality.
The central bank’s investment aims to reduce pressure on referral hospitals by strengthening primary healthcare. Dr Atingi-Ego highlighted goals to improve access to antenatal and delivery services. Moreover, the upgrade seeks to lower out-of-pocket healthcare costs for families.
He added, “We want to enhance community resilience by providing care for infectious and non-communicable diseases.” Therefore, these efforts are long-term investments in economic inclusion and national growth.
Transparency, accountability, and value for money guide all the bank’s CSR initiatives. Additionally, Dr Atingi-Ego quoted the World Health Organization, noting that every dollar invested in reproductive, maternal, newborn, and child health yields up to nine dollars in economic and social returns. This happens through better education, productivity, and household income.
In summary, the Bank of Uganda Ayago Health Centre upgrade is a vital step to improve healthcare infrastructure. Consequently, it promotes sustainable socio-economic progress in Lira City and beyond.
