
Business professionals engaged in the sale of coffins in Aduku Town Council have expressed their satisfaction regarding the construction of a new mortuary at Aduku Health Center IV, which cost over 364 million Uganda shillings.
On January 17, 2025, Aaron Obwota, Managing Director of Last Home Coffin Maker located in Ikwera Genery, conveyed his delight following the handover of the mortuary and children’s ward at Aduku Health Center IV. Obwota noted that the establishment of the mortuary will significantly enhance their business operations, particularly in contrast to previous practices where families had to transport deceased individuals to Lira, adversely affecting local businesses.
Sr. Dorcus Wakelo, the Senior Nursing Officer and Assistant Health Officer in charge of Maternal and Child Health at Aduku Health Center IV, acknowledged the existing staffing shortages.
She mentioned that they have recently recruited personnel for the mortuary, who will be compensated through fees charged for the deceased.
Wakelo also urged well-wishers and the government to assist in improving the standards of the health center.
Dorcus Wangari, the Secretary for Production and Marketing at Kwania District Local Government, remarked that the establishment of the mortuary represents significant progress for the residents of Kwania and Lango, who previously had to travel long distances to preserve their deceased.
She further noted that the council has resolved to charge a fee of 10,000 shillings per day for the storage of deceased bodies.
Hanna Obura, a resident of Amia A in Aduku Town Council, appreciated this development, stating that the availability of a mortuary will save families from incurring costs of approximately 150,000 shillings for ambulance services to transport the deceased to Lira or Apac District.
She cautioned the hospital administration to prevent corruption within the mortuary to ensure that families do not seek alternatives elsewhere.
The children’s ward was constructed at a cost of over 168 million shillings, while the mortuary construction amounted to over 20 million shillings, with additional expenses of over 78 million shillings for a fridge and over 38 million shillings for solar power.