Leaders in Pader District are locked in a dispute over the allocation of a new ambulance distributed under the Ministry of Health’s Emergency Service Program for the Acholi sub-region. The development was first made public through the Ministry of Health’s X (formerly Twitter) account on October 24, 2025.
The controversy erupted after Justin Ocen, the District Health Secretary, announced that Awere Health Center IV would soon receive a brand-new ambulance, praising the NRM government for what he called “steady progress.” Shortly after, Lowila Oketayot, the NRM Woman MP flag bearer for Pader District, contested the announcement, saying the original plan had been to prioritize Atanga Health Centre III because of its high burden of nodding syndrome cases.
Lowila described the change as a “thwarted plan,” arguing that Awere Health Centre IV lies outside Aruu North County, contrary to earlier reports. She wrote on X: “Atanga had been the rightful beneficiary.” Her remarks drew immediate reactions from several district leaders, including Aruu County MP Christopher Komakech, who issued a public clarification dismissing claims of diversion.
Komakech explained that in 2022, the Parliamentary Health Committee approved the upgrade of Awere Health Center III to Health Center IV, making it eligible for an ambulance under the Ministry of Health’s policy. “I will not tolerate the unlawful or irregular diversion of resources intended for our people,” Komakech stated.
He pledged to follow up with Health Minister Dr. Jane Ruth Aceng for official confirmation, urging the public to ignore unverified social media reports. Charles Ray Okwir, the District Works Secretary, also questioned Lowila’s “thwarted plan” claim, calling on leaders to verify facts before fueling public confusion.
A community member, Joseph Ongwech, observed that while political influence can sometimes affect such allocations, communication errors also occur. He urged calm, saying both Atanga and Awere are within Pader District and would ultimately benefit residents. Another resident, Ayoo, cautioned that ambulances alone cannot save lives if roads remain impassable.
She described poor roads as “the hidden fourth delay” in Pader’s healthcare system. The ambulance, registration number UG 6841M, is among 14 newly dispatched units to the Acholi sub-region aimed at strengthening emergency medical services. According to the Ministry of Health’s Senior Communications Officer, Emmanuel Ainebyona, the government’s objective is to improve healthcare delivery across northern Uganda, not to create ownership disputes among local leaders.
***URN***