The construction of a new, state-of-the-art Gynaecology and Obstetric Fistula Ward at Lira Regional Referral Hospital (LRRH) has reached 90 percent completion, with official handover expected by the end of this month.
The modern facility, described as a significant milestone for maternal and reproductive health services in the Lango sub-region, was officially launched in November 2025 during a groundbreaking ceremony officiated by the Minister of Health, Dr. Jane Ruth Aceng.
Once completed, the ward will greatly expand the hospital’s capacity to manage gynaecological and obstetric fistula cases. The bed capacity has been increased from the current 10 beds to 45 beds.
In addition, the facility includes a fully equipped conference room, offices for nursing staff and doctors, and other essential support spaces designed to improve service delivery and working conditions for health workers.
The construction project is valued at approximately Shs 600 million and includes the provision of beds and other key accessories. Beyond infrastructure, the ward will be fitted with advanced, state-of-the-art medical equipment specifically for the management of urogynecology and fistula patients.
These include modern operating tables, anesthesia machines, and other specialized equipment critical for complex surgical procedures.
In a move aimed at strengthening long-term specialized care, one gynecologist from Lira Regional Referral Hospital is also being supported to undertake a fellowship program in urogynecology and female pelvic floor reconstructive surgery.
This capacity-building initiative is expected to enhance local expertise and reduce the need for referrals to distant facilities.
Hospital management has expressed gratitude to its partners, particularly the MUSA Project based in San Diego, California, USA, for their immense support toward the construction and equipping of the ward.
The partnership is expected to have a lasting impact on the quality of care for women suffering from obstetric fistula and other gynecological conditions in northern Uganda.
Upon completion and handover, the new ward is expected to significantly improve access to specialised maternal health services, restore dignity to fistula survivors, and strengthen LRRH’s role as a key referral facility in the region.