Government is upgrading Lira Regional Referral Hospital as part of wider preparations for the Africa Cup of Nations 2027, with authorities moving to strengthen medical services expected to support the tournament.
The facility is expected to provide healthcare services for players, officials and fans when matches are hosted in Lira City at the under construction Akii Bua Olympic Stadium.
Speaking during the commissioning of the new Gynecology and Fistula ward, the Minister of Health Jane Ruth Aceng said the government is prioritizing the recruitment of specialists and the acquisition of critical medical equipment to ensure the hospital can effectively respond to emergencies during the tournament.
“We have to ensure that the required specialists are in place. We have also come up with an emergency medical services acceleration project to ensure that we have the requisite number of ambulances in place, including air ambulances, should the need arise,” Aceng said.
“So the hospital will continue to put the necessary machinery that is required to take care of these people. I want to tell all the population and Ugandans that Lira Regional Referral Hospital is ready for any emergency that will arise, but also for the fans that are coming, because we expect a huge number of fans to be here in Lira City. We are ready. Please come and enjoy.”
The health sector preparations are part of a broader government effort to ensure host cities meet continental standards required by the Confederation of African Football.
Beyond the hospital upgrades, local businesses in Lira City have also been encouraged to improve accommodation facilities.
Hotel owners and investors are being guided on how to upgrade their establishments to meet CAF standards ahead of the tournament, which will be co hosted by Uganda, Kenya and Tanzania.
