Government hands over site for sh500m theatre in Kitgum
Aber said the new theatre will significantly improve healthcare delivery in the region by enabling life-saving surgeries and procedures to be conducted closer to the community.
Minister Lillian Aber, after the groundbreaking ceremony for the construction of the theatre at Kitgum Matidi Health Centre III. (Photo by Christopher Nyeko)
By Christopher Nyeko
Journalists @New Vision
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The Government of Uganda, through the Kitgum District Local Government, on Saturday, July 12, 2025, officially handed over a construction site to the UPDF Engineering Brigade to commence work on a sh500 million modern theatre facility at Kitgum Matidi Health Centre III, located in Kitgum Matidi Town Council.
Lillian Aber, the district Woman Member of Parliament and State Minister for Disaster Preparedness, Relief and Refugees in the Office of the Prime Minister, officiated at the groundbreaking ceremony.
The construction, funded by the Ministry of Health’s Infrastructure Division, is expected to be completed within six months. The UPDF Engineering Brigade has already received the sh500 million reimbursement to carry out the project.
Presiding over the ceremony, minister Aber said the new theatre will significantly improve healthcare delivery in the region by enabling life-saving surgeries and procedures to be conducted closer to the community.
She reaffirmed the government’s commitment to enhancing rural health infrastructure and pledged continued support for the implementation of the project.
Kitgum Matidi Health Centre III was upgraded to Health Centre IV status by the Ministry of Health in 2024. The ongoing theatre construction is part of the infrastructure upgrade to meet the requirements of its new designation.
Dr Henry Otto Okello, the Kitgum district health officer, noted that the theatre is a vital component of the health system’s infrastructure and will enhance the facility’s capacity.
He said that for a Health Centre III to function as a Health Centre IV, it must be equipped with essential infrastructure, including dedicated wards for children and adults, isolation units, maternity and laboratory services.
Dr Okello expressed optimism that upon completion, the Ministry of Health would supply the facility with modern medical equipment and deploy additional personnel.
He also noted that the supply of essential medicines would be increased in line with the upgraded status of the facility.
Kenneth Oketayot, the chairperson of Kitgum Matidi Urban Council, commended Minister Aber for responding swiftly to the needs of the community and translating concerns into tangible results.