One nurse, one mission: How Ogena revived Oryang Health Centre II
She acknowledged that the district still faces workforce challenges, saying many employees require further training to improve service delivery.
Pader: From the outside, Oryang Health Centre II in Latoo Village, Oryang Parish, appears neglected. The ageing single-block structure, with only three small rooms and years of inadequate infrastructure, gives little indication of the remarkable transformation taking place inside.
Every month, nearly 1,000 patients now seek treatment at the facility, a dramatic rise that residents attribute to the dedication of one health worker, Tonny Ogena.
The 34-year-old father of three has earned widespread admiration across Pajule Sub-county for restoring public confidence in a health centre that many residents had abandoned.
“When people fell sick, they would rather travel 24 kilometres to Pajule HCIV or Ogom Health Centre III than seek treatment here,” local leaders recalled.
Before Ogena was posted to the facility in 2020, Oryang Health Centre II struggled with a damaged reputation due to complaints of unprofessional conduct among previous staff. Patient attendance had dropped to between 120 and 180 people per month.
Everything changed after Ogena assumed responsibility for the facility.
Residents describe him as compassionate, approachable and committed to providing quality healthcare, qualities that quickly restored trust in the health centre.
Within a short period, monthly patient numbers increased to between 900 and 1,000, attracting the attention of the Ministry of Health.
Officials travelled from Kampala to verify the unusually high attendance figures and confirmed they were accurate. Following the assessment, the ministry expressed willingness to consider upgrading Oryang Health Centre II to a Health Centre III.
Community fights to keep their nurse
Ogena’s impact became even more evident in 2023 when district authorities transferred him to Ogom Health Centre III.
The decision sparked protests from residents, who marched from Oryang Parish to the District Health Officer’s office in Pader Town demanding that the transfer be reversed.
Some residents say Ogena had already begun relocating his belongings before district leaders rescinded the transfer following public pressure.
Today, the health facility serves a catchment population of more than 6,500 people, with malaria accounting for over 300 confirmed cases every month.
Recognition for outstanding service
On June 6, 2026, a delegation led by Senior Presidential Advisor on Mobilisation Lt. Col. (Rtd) Ambako Kibrai visited the health facility.
The team found Ogena tending his sunflower garden during the weekend before he hurried back to receive the visitors after being alerted by his children.
Unaware of the delegation’s identity, Ogena calmly introduced himself and guided them through the modest facility.
Impressed by his professionalism and commitment, Kibrai described the nurse as “a Godsend.”
“God knows why He has placed you here,” Kibrai said. “Continue providing good service. You are still young and when opportunities arise, pursue your education.”
Infrastructure still a major challenge
Despite the improved healthcare services, Oryang Health Centre II continues to face serious infrastructure challenges.
The facility has a damaged ceiling that exposes medicines and medical equipment to harsh weather conditions. Expansion plans have also stalled because additional land required for upgrading the health centre has not yet been secured.
Ogena has been working with the Parish Health Unit Committee to mobilise land for future development.
There are, however, signs of progress.
World Vision is constructing a modern toilet at the facility, while Pader District Local Government has completed another toilet block awaiting commissioning.
A three-room block initiated by former Aruu County MP Santo Okot is about 70 percent complete, although construction stalled after the 2026 general elections.
Kibrai has urged local authorities to ensure the project is completed while also calling for stronger community sanitation programmes and improved primary healthcare services.
District calls for better staff performance
Meanwhile, Pader Chief Administrative Officer Susan Adong acknowledged that the district still faces workforce challenges, saying many employees require further training to improve service delivery.
She noted that despite continuous guidance and motivation, some staff continue to rely on routine methods instead of embracing innovative approaches to public service.
For the people of Oryang, however, the transformation of their health centre has already demonstrated what committed leadership can achieve.
In a facility once ignored by many, one dedicated nurse restored hope, rebuilt public confidence and inspired a community to fight for his stay.
His story serves as a reminder that meaningful change in healthcare often begins not with modern buildings or expensive equipment, but with a committed health worker determined to serve.
Do you have an advertisement or article you want to publish? Mail us at theugreports@gmail.com or WhatsApp +256757022363.
