Leaders from across the Teso sub-region have paid tribute to the late Rev Mesilam Abilet, describing him as a role model, spiritual mentor and community pillar whose ministry in the Anglican Church shaped generations of leaders and transformed lives.
Rev Abilet, the father of former Serere County MP the late Bishop Patrick Okabe and grandfather of current Serere County MP Emmanuel Omoding Okabe, was laid to rest at a ceremony attended by senior government officials, cultural and religious leaders, Members of Parliament, local government officials and hundreds of mourners.
Among the dignitaries in attendance were the Deputy Chief of Defence Forces, Lt. Gen. Sam Okiding, the State Minister for Teso Affairs, Clement Ongalo Obote, who represented the government as chief mourner, former ministers, Members of Parliament and local government leaders from across the region.
Speakers described the late cleric as a dedicated servant of God whose life was defined by integrity, humility and unwavering service to his community.
The burial also provided a platform for regional leaders to renew calls for improved healthcare services in Serere District.
Serere District Woman MP Esther Lucy Acom urged the government to expedite the operationalisation of Serere Health Centre IV into a fully functional community hospital, saying the district's growing population can no longer be adequately served by the existing facility.
She noted that although the government committed in 2025 to upgrade the health centre under the Uganda Essential Health Care Package 2024, implementation has been slow.
"Most of our people still seek treatment at Soroti Regional Referral Hospital. Operationalising the hospital in Serere will help decongest Soroti and bring quality healthcare closer to our people," Acom said.
She called on the Ministry of Health and other relevant government agencies to fast-track construction works, equip the facility with modern medical equipment and deploy adequate health workers.
Supporting the appeal, Serere District LCV Chairperson Eng. Martin Onguruco said the district continues to record maternal deaths due to inadequate equipment and the limited capacity of the existing health facility.
"These cases of deaths among mothers can only be addressed by the operationalisation of the hospital," Onguruco said.
Responding to the concerns, State Minister for Teso Affairs Clement Ongalo Obote acknowledged the delays and pledged to support efforts to ensure the project is completed.
"Acom has raised a very important issue. We shall support her in following up, and I vow that the hospital will be operationalised," Obote said.
Once completed, Serere Community Hospital is expected to reduce pressure on Soroti Regional Referral Hospital, strengthen maternal and child healthcare, improve emergency medical services and expand access to specialised treatment for more than 340,000 residents of Serere District and neighbouring areas.
The funeral concluded with leaders urging the government to honour its commitment, saying the most fitting way to preserve Rev. Abilet's legacy of service is by delivering essential public services that improve the lives of the communities he devoted his ministry to serving.
