By James Alomu

SOROTI, Uganda — Soroti Regional Referral Hospital has officially launched the remodeling of its maternity block to establish a new operating theatre, a major infrastructure project expected to improve emergency obstetric care and ease congestion at the hospital's overstretched main theatre.

The groundbreaking ceremony, held on Friday, July 31, brought together hospital management, local leaders, development partners, and the project contractor to mark the beginning of the UGX 366,499,616 initiative.

Speaking during the ceremony, the Principal Hospital Administrator, Benzy Omoya, said the project is funded by the Dak International Network (DIN) through the Elgon Center for Health Research and Innovations (ECHRI). He noted that the new theatre will strengthen emergency response services while decongesting the hospital's aging main operating theatre, which has struggled to meet the increasing demand for surgical services.

"This funding is courtesy of the Dak International Network (DIN), but it has been lobbied for by our generous Prof. Sr. Mary Margaret Ajiko, a nun working at Soroti Regional Referral Hospital," Omoya said.

He explained that the mini-theatre will measure 12.1 metres by 9.7 metres, with construction scheduled to commence on August 1, 2026, and expected to be completed within 16 months.

Omoya expressed optimism that the project will significantly improve health service delivery by enabling the hospital to attend to more mothers, reduce waiting times for surgery, and improve maternal and neonatal outcomes.

Senior Executive Consultant Assoc. Prof. (Hon.) Joseph Epodoi described the project as a milestone in addressing long-standing infrastructure challenges at the regional referral hospital.

"Today is not just a groundbreaking ceremony, but a ceremony to break barriers. For many years, the hospital has grappled with infrastructure challenges, especially in the maternity and theatre units," Epodoi said.

He revealed that Soroti Regional Referral Hospital handles approximately 4,000 deliveries annually, including both normal deliveries and caesarean sections, placing enormous pressure on the existing theatre and often leading to delays in emergency surgical care.

Epodoi commended Prof. Sr. Mary Margaret Ajiko and the Dak International Network for complementing government efforts to strengthen healthcare services in the region.

The hospital says the new operating theatre will address critical infrastructure gaps and enhance its capacity to provide timely surgical interventions for mothers and newborns.

Prof. Sr. Mary Margaret Ajiko highlighted her decade-long partnership with the Dak International Network, noting that the organization has consistently supported the hospital through various healthcare interventions.

She disclosed that DIN has previously donated eight oxygen concentrators, two handheld ultrasound scan machines, universal anaesthetic machines, and facilitated the training of two midwives in the use of handheld ultrasound technology, among other contributions.

Chairperson of the Soroti Regional Referral Hospital Board, Dr. John Opolot, welcomed the investment, saying the new operating theatre will provide greater convenience, comfort, and improved quality of care for both patients and healthcare workers.

Construction works will be undertaken by Angatel Investments Limited, whose Director, George Angar, pledged to deliver quality work within the agreed timeline.

"We accept this responsibility, bearing in mind what this theatre will mean for the Greater Eastern Region and beyond," Angar said.

He further committed to professionalism, integrity, and accountability throughout the construction process while appealing to hospital management and stakeholders for continued guidance and support to ensure successful project delivery.

The contractor expects to complete the project by November 30, 2026.

Representing the government, Soroti City Resident City Commissioner John Michael Okurut applauded Prof. Sr. Mary Margaret Ajiko for mobilizing support that has resulted in the theatre project and several other health interventions from the Dak International Network.

Once completed, the new operating theatre is expected to significantly improve maternal healthcare services, reduce congestion in the hospital's main theatre, and strengthen emergency surgical response for patients from the Greater Eastern Region and beyond.

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