By James Alomu

SOROTI CITY — Health facility in-charges in Soroti City have been cautioned against using newly acquired government motorcycles for personal activities, including dating women, with city leaders urging them to use the motorcycles strictly for official health duties.

The warning was issued during the handover of brand-new motorcycles procured by the Ministry of Health with support from Gavi to improve the mobility of frontline health workers. The beneficiaries included the in-charges of Eastern Division Health Centre III, Kichinjaji Health Centre III, Arapai Health Centre II, and the Soroti City Health Educator.

Speaking at the handover ceremony, Soroti City Deputy Mayor Hellen Amongin emphasized that the motorcycles are public assets intended to strengthen healthcare service delivery and should not be diverted for private use.

"These motorcycles are meant to facilitate your movement while monitoring health facilities and implementing government health programmes. They are not for dating women, carrying personal goods, or any other private business," Ms Amongin said.

She noted that the motorcycles would enable health workers to conduct regular supervision of health facilities, improve community outreach, and enhance the delivery of essential healthcare services across the city.

Soroti City Health Officer Noah Okiror welcomed the support from the Ministry of Health and Gavi, saying the motorcycles would significantly improve the efficiency of health facility in-charges, particularly in supervising health services and coordinating immunisation programmes.

Mr Okiror said the additional transport would reduce mobility challenges that have previously affected routine monitoring and service delivery.

Presiding over the function, Assistant Resident City Commissioner Steven Omoding Eupa said the donation reflects the Government of Uganda's continued commitment to strengthening the health sector under President Yoweri Museveni's leadership.

He urged the beneficiaries to safeguard the motorcycles and ensure they are used exclusively for official duties, especially in monitoring health facilities and supporting the delivery of immunisation services.

The motorcycles are expected to improve access to health facilities, strengthen supervision, and enhance the implementation of immunisation and other public health programmes throughout Soroti City.