Lira City, Uganda – The newly renovated theatre at Lira Regional Referral Hospital was officially commissioned on Wednesday, July 16, 2025, by the Minister of Health, Dr. Jane Ruth Aceng Ocero.
The commissioning ceremony was led by the Minister herself, as residents and hospital staff expressed joy and appreciation for the project, which is part of a broader effort initiated by Dr. Aceng during her tenure.
The renovation, which cost over UGX 250 million, was funded by Seed Global Health. The upgraded theatre is expected to handle a significant increase in surgical procedures — potentially up to 30 operations per day — according to Dr. Aceng.
While commissioning the facility, the Minister noted that the improved floor and infrastructure had significantly enhanced service delivery at the hospital. She urged the Chairperson of the Health Service Commission to consider promoting long-serving staff members who are overdue for elevation in rank.
The event was graced by several dignitaries, including officials from the Ministry of Health, Seed Global Health Uganda, Lira City Mayor Sam Atul, and Resident City Commissioners Alele Ferdinand Boney and Boney Otucu, among others.
Hospital Director Dr. Andrew Odur commended the hospital staff and noted that the theatre building was initially constructed in 2014. He confirmed that the recent renovations, including the installation of new flooring technology, cost UGX 250 million. Lira Regional Referral Hospital now serves over 10,000 patients annually through surgical interventions.
“Orthopedic surgery services are now available at Lira RRH, eliminating the need to transfer patients to Kumi or Mbale,” said Dr. Odur.
He also praised Seed Global Health for implementing several critical interventions and applauded Lira University for maintaining a strong partnership with the hospital. Dr. Odur reported that the hospital admits between 300–400 inpatients daily, with 500–900 outpatients also seeking care. He called for the construction of a more complex hospital structure to meet the growing demand.
According to Seed Global Health representative Irene Duhaga Atuhairwe, “What started as a small idea is now a reality.” Initially, the plan was to renovate only the maternal wing, but it eventually expanded to include the entire theatre.
She added that Seed Global Health remains committed to partnering with Lira Regional Referral Hospital until at least 2030, with a particular focus on reducing maternal mortality. Irene applauded Dr. Aceng for her ongoing collaboration and dedication to the cause.
Dr. Charles Olaro, Director General of Health Services, also expressed gratitude to Seed Global Health, describing the theatre upgrade as a major development for Lira Hospital.
Lira City Mayor Sam Atul used the occasion to call on residents to support Hon. Dr. Jane Ruth Aceng in future elections, stating that she deserves to continue serving the Lango sub-region even after her retirement from the health ministry.
Resident City Commissioner (RCC) Boney Ferdinand Okello Alele commended the hospital team for their efforts, warning that authorities will no longer tolerate the spread of misleading information about the hospital on social media.
In her closing remarks, Dr. Aceng praised the hospital staff for contributing to a drop in the fertility rate across Lango, now averaging four children per family. She commended mothers for embracing family planning and urged them to talk to their daughters about avoiding early marriage, especially those under 18.
She also raised concern about reports of child marriages in Kwania and Oyam districts, where some parents are allegedly selling off young girls in open markets.
“I urge RDCs and RCCs to visit these markets in Oyam and Kwania to assess the situation. Parents must take responsibility and protect their daughters so they grow into responsible citizens,” Dr. Aceng emphasized.
