By James Alomu
Authorities in Soroti City have finally moved to renovate the aging Nakatunya Mortuary after years of criticism from residents and health stakeholders over its poor condition and hygiene standards.
The renovation project was officially launched by the Soroti City Health Department, with officials describing the move as a major step toward improving public health services within the city. The mortuary has for years been criticized for its dilapidated structures, poor sanitation, and limited capacity to handle bodies, especially accident victims and unidentified persons.
Speaking during the launch, City Health Officer Dr. Alfred Anyonga said the renovation will help improve body preservation services at a cheaper cost for ordinary residents who have been relying on expensive private mortuary facilities. He noted that many families have struggled to pay high fees charged by private hospitals, making the government facility an important public service.
Dr. Anyonga explained that the mortuary was constructed when Soroti was still a municipality and now requires upgrading to meet the demands of the growing city population. He also called on residents to stop grazing animals within the mortuary premises, saying the practice affects sanitation and the image of the facility.
Deputy Resident City Commissioner James Small Chemutai urged the contractor to ensure quality work that matches the resources allocated for the project.