Lira, Uganda | Health authorities have said Lira Regional Referral Hospital is preparing to provide comprehensive medical services during the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), which Uganda will co-host with Kenya and Tanzania.
Speaking during the commissioning of a new urogynecology and fistula ward at the hospital on March 7, 2026, Dr. Jane Ruth Aceng Ocero, the Minister of Health and Woman MP for Lira City, said the government is strengthening emergency medical response systems to ensure the country is ready for the continental tournament.
Aceng revealed that the Ministry of Health has launched an Emergency Medical Services Acceleration Project aimed at increasing the number of ambulances across the country and improving emergency response capacity.
“The Ministry will ensure that the required specialists are in place. We are also increasing the number of ambulances and, where necessary, deploying air ambulances to handle emergencies,” she said.
She added that referral hospitals are being equipped to manage injuries and other medical emergencies that may arise during the tournament as thousands of visitors are expected to travel to host cities.
The Director of Lira Regional Referral Hospital, Dr. Andrew Odur, said the hospital is ready to support healthcare services during AFCON, noting that major sporting events often require strong emergency medical preparedness.
“When players are on the pitch and large crowds gather, accidents and injuries can occur. As a regional referral hospital, we are prepared to offer the necessary medical services,” Odur said.
However, he appealed for further government support to upgrade the hospital’s infrastructure, particularly the private wing, so that the facility can meet international standards and comfortably manage patients during the tournament.
He added that improvements in medical equipment and facilities would strengthen the hospital’s capacity not only for AFCON but also for long-term healthcare services in the region.
