Soroti City, Uganda – Mothers and patients seeking maternal healthcare, family planning, and related services are facing uncertainty after the sudden closure of the Teso Safe Motherhood facility in Soroti City. This private facility, located in the Senior Quarters Ward of Soroti City West Division, abruptly shut its doors last Friday, leaving users bewildered and concerned.

While the exact reasons for the facility’s closure remain unclear, an anonymous staff member cited accountability queries as the cause. According to reports, the closure is expected to last for four months, with services anticipated to resume in January 2024. However, no official explanation or announcement has been made to date.

Dr. Nicholas Okwana, the chairperson of the board of directors for Teso Safe Motherhood, spoke out, contradicting claims of closure. He stated that the facility had not been permanently closed but that services had been temporarily suspended. Dr. Okwana indicated that the suspension was intended to provide the management with time to resolve internal issues. However, he did not disclose the specific nature of these issues or provide a reopening date.

Martin Oteger, the director of Finance and Administration at Teso Safe Motherhood, was not available for immediate comment, as he was reportedly occupied with resolving certain matters in Kampala. Details regarding the current state of the facility have yet to be provided.

The Teso Safe Motherhood facility has been instrumental in providing free healthcare services to vulnerable populations in the Teso Sub-region. In addition to maternal healthcare, the facility offered HIV testing and counseling services, benefiting the local community.

The sudden closure has had a significant impact on the community, with over 20 expectant mothers and individuals seeking medical care being turned away. The closure is especially concerning for the less fortunate, as the facility had been known for providing free maternal healthcare services, including the distribution of maternal kits to mothers in need.

Residents and clients of the facility have expressed their dismay and frustration. Many highlighted the professional and welcoming approach of the facility’s workers, in stark contrast to their experiences at government health facilities. Long distances to government health centers and alleged misconduct by healthcare personnel have raised concerns among pregnant women who may now consider resorting to traditional birth attendants.

Local businesses have also been affected, with vendors in the vicinity reporting a significant drop in sales due to the closure. The Teso Safe Motherhood facility’s clients were a significant source of business for local vendors, and their absence has had a direct impact on the livelihoods of these entrepreneurs.

Local authorities, including Mr. Patrick Asonya, the chairperson of Cell H Village, Senior Quarters Ward, expressed concerns about the closure, emphasizing that the facility had played a crucial role in their community’s safety.

While there is considerable frustration and confusion surrounding the Teso Safe Motherhood facility’s closure, many are eagerly awaiting official explanations and information regarding when services will be reinstated. For now, the closure remains a source of uncertainty for both staff and the community they served.