Lira City, Uganda – A new sanitation policy at Lira Regional Referral Hospital (LRRH) has ignited heated public debate after reports
The hospital, which recently transitioned from pit latrines to waterborne toilets, introduced a fee of Ugx 100 to cover maintenance costs.
However, allegations of overcharging and denial of access for those unable to pay have sparked frustration and demands for accountability.
Principal Hospital Administrator Peter Okello Odeke defended the fee, stating that it is necessary to maintain hygiene and ensure availability of essential supplies like toilet paper.
“Waterborne toilets require proper maintenance. This fee helps us keep the facilities clean and functional,” Odeke explained in an interview with the press.
Beyond sanitation, the hospital has recently upgraded its infrastructure, including securing a dedicated power line from UMEME to ensure a stable electricity supply.
Odeke also praised the hospital’s internal governance, citing a “hospital Parliament” that meets weekly to improve service delivery.
Despite these justifications, social media has been flooded with complaints from patients and visitors.
Reports indicate that some individuals have been charged Ugx 500–1,000 instead of the official Ugx 100. A viral video shows hospital staff allegedly demanding higher fees, raising concerns of extortion.
Stella Adongo, a resident of Akia Parish in Lira City East Division, shared her frustration after being asked to pay Ugx 500 to use the restroom on January 14, 2025.
“I was surprised when I was charged more than what the hospital claims. Others were also forced to pay extra,” Adongo recounted.
One anonymous woman reported witnessing a young girl denied access because she lacked the money.
“It was heartbreaking. I had to pay for her,” she said, highlighting the challenges faced by vulnerable individuals who can’t afford the fee.
The revelations have sparked widespread condemnation, with critics arguing that a government hospital should not charge for basic amenities.
Many residents believe the fee contradicts Uganda’s policy of free healthcare services. “People come here because they cannot afford private healthcare. Charging them for toilet access is unfair,” said one concerned citizen.
There are growing calls for the Ministry of Health to intervene and investigate reports of unauthorized charges.
Some activists have urged hospital management to introduce alternative solutions, such as donor-funded maintenance or government subsidies, to sustain the new sanitation facilities without burdening patients.
In response to public concerns, Odeke reassured residents that no one should be charged beyond Ugx 100 and called for vigilance against exploitation.
He also urged locals to prioritize public healthcare over private clinics, arguing that many private facilities eventually refer complicated cases to the referral hospital.
Despite the controversy, LRRH continues to expand its services, boasting a private wing, an advanced laboratory, and a fully operational oxygen plant.
However, the toilet fee issue threatens to overshadow these developments, leaving the public questioning whether modernization should come at the expense of accessibility.
As pressure mounts, the hospital must find a balance between maintaining sanitation and ensuring fairness, or risk eroding public trust in a vital healthcare institution.
ORIGINAL STORY: Q FM…………………….
