By Okidi Patrick
LIRA CITY, UGANDA – November 3, 2025 – In Lira City, a name that resonates with dedication, public service, and tangible progress is that of Hon. Dr. Jane Ruth Aceng Ocero. Serving as the Woman Member of Parliament for Lira City and concurrently as a hardworking Minister of Health, Dr. Aceng has, over the past four and a half years, made significant contributions to the healthcare and well-being of her constituents and beyond. Her unwavering commitment and visible contributions warrant significant appreciation from the people of Lira City.
Dr. Aceng’s tenure has been characterized by a series of remarkable health benefits and the strengthening of healthcare infrastructure. Her efforts have touched the lives of thousands, from expectant mothers to those battling chronic diseases. The scale of her interventions speaks volumes about her leadership acumen and deep-seated empathy for the populace.
A Comprehensive Approach to Healthcare Enhancement:
Dr. Aceng’s contributions can be broadly categorized, showcasing a multi-faceted approach to healthcare:
Direct Support and Empowerment for Women and Children:
Over 10,000 women have benefited from health camps where they received essential mama kits.
An additional 3,500 expectant mothers were provided with mama kits and basins, ensuring a more dignified and prepared start to motherhood.
Preventive Care and Early Detection:
She facilitated a crucial cervical, breast, and prostate cancer screening camp at Fountain School, bringing vital health checks directly to the community.
Revolutionizing Lira Regional Referral Hospital (LRRH) and Other Health Facilities:
A significant achievement includes securing ambulance UG 7290 for LRRH, effectively a mobile ICU, dramatically enhancing emergency response capabilities.
Ober Health Centre III has been upgraded to Health Centre IV, with a theatre currently under construction, bringing advanced surgical services closer to the community.
The construction of a surgical theatre at Ongica Health Centre III is also underway, further expanding access to critical surgical interventions.
Through partnerships, including with JICA, new Outpatient Department (OPD), maternity, dental, and Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT) wings have been commissioned at LRRH.
During the COVID-19 crisis, Dr. Aceng was instrumental in mobilizing 40 oxygen cylinders for LRRH, a critical resource during the pandemic.
Her advocacy has led to the lobbying for a dialysis machine, CT scan, oxygen plant, and dispatch point at LRRH, positioning it as a more comprehensive medical hub.
The construction of a Biosafety Level II Satellite Lab at LRRH, funded by the World Bank/UCREPP, signifies a major boost in diagnostic and research capabilities.
Fifteen wheelchairs at LRRH have been modified with straps and trays, enhancing patient comfort and mobility.
Free eye surgery camps, in collaboration with the Pakistan Association, have provided sight-saving procedures to an impressive 3,500 patients over recent years.
Six children from Lira City have received free life-changing surgeries at Entebbe Surgical Hospital, a testament to her commitment to individual well-being.
The construction of new facilities at Ongica HC III, Anyangatir HC III, Punuoluru HC III, and Ober HC IV is currently in progress, underscoring a sustained investment in grassroots healthcare.
The construction of the Lira Regional Blood Bank at Lira University has been launched, a crucial step towards ensuring a stable and accessible blood supply.
Atangwata Health Centre III in Otuke East received medical equipment worth UGX 25 million, facilitated through YOGI Ltd, bolstering local healthcare delivery.
Capacity Building and Human Resources:
Dr. Aceng oversaw the graduation of 164 Community Health Extension Workers (CHEWs) after a rigorous six-month training at Uganda Martyrs University. Crucially, each CHEW was equipped with a sport bike, significantly enhancing their ability to reach and serve communities across Lira.
Disease Prevention and Response:
She led the distribution of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for COVID-19 across Lira, Oyam, and Apac, collaborating with organizations like MOVIT, Living Goods, and Last Mile Health.
Resources were mobilized for the Lango surgical camp in 2023, providing essential medical interventions to a wider population.
Sickle Cell Care machines have been mobilized for LRRH and Alebtong Health Centre IV, improving care for those with this debilitating condition.
National Impact and Strategic Partnerships:
On a national level, her leadership has been instrumental in strengthening Uganda’s health systems to combat preventable and non-communicable diseases.
She has cultivated strong partnerships with Development Partners, Civil Society Organizations, and the Private Sector, leveraging collective strengths for greater impact.
Dr. Aceng played a pivotal role in leading Uganda’s response to national health emergencies, including Ebola, Marburg, and COVID-19.
The establishment of three Regional Operation Centers in Mbale, Mukono, and West Nile has decentralized and strengthened public health response mechanisms.
Her efforts to mobilize communities to own public health responses have significantly boosted vigilance and awareness across the nation.
As the Woman MP and NRM flag bearer for Lira City, Dr. Jane Ruth Aceng Ocero is poised to once again seek the trust of the electorate in the upcoming 2026-2031 general elections. With her track record of exemplary service and her proven ability to deliver tangible improvements in the lives of Lira’s citizens, it is clear that her leadership is not only effective but also deeply appreciated. As her campaign is set to commence on November 10th, 2025, the voters of Lira City and beyond are ready to rally behind a leader who has demonstrably prioritized their health and well-being. Dr. Aceng Ocero is indeed a leader who deserves unwavering appreciation and continued support.
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