Lira Regional Referral Hospital has secured an additional UGX 4.8 billion to support the recruitment of more than 100 health workers in the 2026/2027 financial year, a move expected to significantly improve healthcare service delivery in the region.
The announcement was made on Wednesday by Hospital Director, Dr. Andrew Odur, during the maiden State of the Hospital Address at the 156th sitting of the hospital’s parliament held on April 8, 2026.
Dr. Odur said the new funding will facilitate the hiring of a diverse team of professionals, including consultants, nurses, midwives, and allied health workers, increasing the hospital workforce from 320 to nearly 420 staff.
“In the next financial year, we are going to recruit more than 100 staff following the allocation of an additional UGX 4.8 billion,” he noted.
Beyond recruitment, the hospital is also strengthening its capacity to provide specialized healthcare services. These include fertility treatment, neonatology, cardiology, neurotrauma care, pediatric surgery, endoscopy, and minimally invasive surgery—an expansion expected to reduce referrals and improve patient outcomes across Northern Uganda.
Several infrastructure projects are nearing completion, including the extension of the private wing, renovation of the eye department, upgrading of the theatre, and construction of canopies along major walkways.
The hospital has also recorded major milestones over the past year, such as establishing an internationally accredited satellite laboratory, expanding its gynecology ward, operationalizing an Intensive Care Unit (ICU), and successfully conducting 174 complex neurotrauma surgeries.
However, Dr. Odur acknowledged ongoing challenges, including a high disease burden with thousands of malaria, urinary tract infection, and sickle cell cases recorded annually.
He also highlighted key priorities requiring further funding, such as expanding ward space, reclaiming encroached land, completing perimeter fencing, and constructing a modern storage facility for medical supplies.
Closing the session, the Hospital Parliament Speaker, Dr. Bosco Omongo, called for increased government support to accelerate the hospital’s upgrade.
He emphasized the urgency of expanding infrastructure, including the construction of a modern city mortuary to address current capacity constraints, especially as Lira positions itself to host matches during the Africa Cup of Nations 2027.
The additional funding and ongoing developments mark a significant step forward in strengthening healthcare services at Lira Regional Referral Hospital and improving access to quality care for communities across the region.
