LIRA, UGANDA – Thursday, 9th July 2026
The Lira Regional Referral Hospital marked a historic milestone today with the commissioning of two critical health facilities, an event that Lira City Resident Commissioner Lawrence Egole described as a watershed moment for the entire Lango sub-region.
Addressing a gathering that included Bishop of diocese of lango Prof.ALFRED Olwa , health officials, and community members, Egole set the tone for the day, urging attendees to recognize the profound significance of the occasion.
"When you listen carefully, you realize that today is a joyful day for the people of Lango," Egole declared. "We are here to commission two facilities, and it is a day for rejoicing for the people of Lango and beyond."
The commissioner reflected on the dark history that preceded these developments, noting that for decades, mothers and children with critical conditions faced harrowing journeys to distant hospitals.
"For those of us who have been here for some time, a child who had emergencies like burns or birth complications had to be referred to faraway places like Kampala or Gulu," Egole recounted. "It used to give us a lot of pressure, and sadly, many lives were lost. We didn't have the right equipment or space for keeping premature babies. But now, we have the facilities."
He extended profound gratitude to the Government of Uganda and the Ministry of Health for prioritizing maternal and child health, stating that these investments have "changed the story of the Lango sub-region."
In a direct address to the public, Egole moved to quell any anxieties regarding the recent cabinet reshuffle, specifically the reassignment of Lira City Woman MP Dr. Jane Ruth Aceng Ocero from the Ministry of Health to the position of Government Chief Whip.
Egole assured the community that the development trajectory of Lira Regional Referral Hospital remains on an upward curve. "People should not worry that now Dr. Aceng is no longer Health Minister, thinking that will cripple development," he stated. "Health workers should work hard because the work in Lira Regional Referral Hospital will just keep on accelerating. Dr. Jane is a doer, and she is now the Chief Whip. Her commitment to this region remains unwavering."
The three major milestones witnessed today included:Commissioning of a Level III Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU): A fully equipped unit designed to provide the highest level of care for premature and critically ill newborns.,Commissioning of a State-of-the-Art Paediatric Surgical Ward: A modern facility dedicated to pediatric surgeries, eliminating the need for referrals for routine and emergency surgical interventions. and Launch of the "My Baby's First Cry" Campaign: A celebration and awareness drive aimed at promoting safe deliveries and newborn health.
Health officials who spoke at the event emphasized that while infrastructure is crucial, management and integrity remain paramount.
Dr. Andrew Odur lira regional referral hospital Director called for a shift in mindset among district health leaders. "We must invest in knowledge, both at the district health level and regional hospital, by knowing the data," he urged. He highlighted the fiscal challenges facing the hospital, noting, "We need about 5.6 billion shillings for Lira Regional Referral, but we are getting less than 3 billion. However, we must use it well."
Dr. Odur issued a stern warning to leaders, stating that changes in health centers do not excuse poor performance. "A health center IV or a district with a strong DHO and strong heads of department performs better," he noted. "Leadership must change and adapt."
Dr. John Paul Bagala, Assistant Commissioner for Reproductive and Infant Health, delivered a powerful message to health workers regarding the sanctity of maternal care.
"We must ensure that nobody dies during birth—whether a child or a mother," Dr. Bagala asserted. "Regardless of the efforts we have made, how are we managing the mothers? How much time are we giving them? Health workers must keep time."
He concluded with a stark warning against corruption, stating: "Any health worker who demands money from poor women, and any manager who keeps protecting people who are extorting money from patients, then you are cast badly. This must stop."
The event concluded with a sense of renewed hope for the region, as leaders and community members celebrated a new chapter in specialized healthcare delivery for the people of Lango.
