Busia district allocates sofia market land to MOH

Busia, Uganda |  THE INDEPENDENT | Busia district has allocated the 2.9-acre piece of land hosting Sofia Market to the Health Ministry for the expansion of Port health hospital.

The market, which is found in Sofia village in Eastern division, was closed by the District Task Force in March due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

However, Busia district officials say they will not allow the market to reopen in the area that is why they have decided to donate the land to the Health Ministry to expand Port health facility.

They want the Ministry of Health to construct a regional laboratory for Port health facility to avoid congestion at Uganda Revenue Offices at the border.

Vincent Okurut, the Busia Municipality Town Clerk, says the donation is in favor of Eastern Division that lacks a healthy facility.

He says the health center will serve over 40,500 out of the over 608,000 people in the Municipality and neighboring areas.

Geoffrey Wandera, the Busia District LC V Chairperson, says that they have a plan to relocate traders who have been operating in Sofia market to the newly constructed market.

Hassan Bwire Opio, the Busia Municipal Mayor, says the 2.9-acre piece of land belongs to the Municipal council and has no contention.     

Kennedy Ouma and Joshua Turyanabo, both residents of Sofia village have welcomed the proposed construction of Port health hospital, saying it will save them from moving almost 3 kilometers to reach Busia health center IV for health services.

Diana Atwine, the Health Ministry Permanent Secretary, says the facility will expand Health Services to the community.

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