Why Museveni fulfilled a decade-long promise to Barlonyo massacre survivors

The 2004 presidential political pledge of a health centre III has piqued the interest of Barlonyo massacre survivors and leaders.

Lira – September 23, 2022: On Monday, September 19, 2022, Lira district leaders awarded Alliance Technical Service a contract to build the long-awaited presidential pledge of a health facility for Barlonyo massacre survivors.

The shs1.8 billion project award ceremony took place in Aberidwogo village, Orit parish, where the proposed site is located. It is located a few meters from the Barlonyo massacre site, where the Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA) rebels attacked and killed over 300 civilians.

Those killed were living in Internally Displaced Camp[s] when the shocking event occurred on February 21 2004.

For almost 18 years (more than one decade), over 400 residents since 2004 have been living without any nearest health facility. This made it difficult for them to access affordable medical services, especially the vulnerable, among them expectant mothers.

Scovia Auma, a resident of Awe-amone village, Orit parish in Lira district, said they have faced difficulties in obtaining health services, but she is hopeful that with the construction of the facility, they will have better access to medical services.

She tells me about the vulnerable and expectant mothers who are suffering.

Josephine Akot, a resident of the same village said in recent years, she had challenges during her antenatal visits. Ajok also said it has been expensive to access health units in terms of transport due to the high fuel prices.

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According to Lira district chairperson, RCM Okello Orik, the presidential pledge has come to reality after 18 years of waiting. He attributed the success to the joint efforts of the leaders of the Lira district.

“Purchasing items to equip the facility is already in the budget as soon as the construction is complete,” RCM added.

Linda Agnes Auma, the Lira district woman Member of Parliament reiterated that the construction of the health facility has been delayed for years due to the absence of land to host the said facility.

Auma appreciated the residents of Barlonyo and the local leaders of the sub-county and district for their combined efforts in searching and attaining land to host the facility.

Auma, on the other hand, warned the construction company about poor workmanship and urged the contractor to hire Barlonyo residents rather than foreign workers. This, she said, will help in the exchange of knowledge and skills.

Meanwhile, Moses Twinujjulizi, an engineer with Alliance Technical Services, stated that they are committed to completing quality work as expected by the people of Barlonyo within eight months.