Health Minister Unveils State-of-the-Art Satellite Laboratory in Lira

Lira City, Uganda – In a significant boost to healthcare in the Lango region, Minister of Health Dr. Jane Ruth Aceng officially commissioned a new Satellite Laboratory at Lira Regional Referral Hospital (LRRH) on Friday 14th March 2025. The event, attended by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Health, Dr. Diane Atwine.

During her address, Dr. Aceng took a moment to address ongoing social media rumors alleging misuse of Covid-19 funds. "Most people have been creating propaganda on social media that Aceng stole Covid-19 money. Honestly, I don’t keep nor hold the money for the ministry! But if I stole and used it for constructing this Satellite Laboratory, to God be the Glory," she stated, emphasizing her commitment to transparency and accountability in her role.

Dr. Atwine echoed her sentiments, highlighting the strategic importance of the laboratory's location. "There’s a reason why we’re in Lira. We’re commissioning this laboratory because Lira has someone who has been pushing for this! It’ll not only be used by the people of Lira but Lango as a whole," she declared, underscoring the facility's regional significance.

The Satellite Laboratory is equipped with advanced technology capable of diagnosing a wide range of diseases, eliminating the need for patients to travel to Kampala for essential tests. "Kampala has come to Lira; it’ll reduce costs," Dr. Atwine added, promising greater accessibility to healthcare services for the local population.

Researchers from Lira University are also set to benefit from the new facility, which will allow them to conduct studies without the hassle of sending samples to the capital. "They should make good use of this facility," Dr. Atwine encouraged, as she highlighted the collaborative potential for research and innovation.

Dr. Aceng, reflecting on her tenure as Lira City Woman Member of Parliament, asserted her dedication to serving her constituents. "I’ve worked as Lira City WMP for just four years, and my work can be felt. Others have been MPs for over 30 years but can’t even show a temporary structure that they lobbied to house our children who are roaming around the streets," she remarked, contrasting her achievements with those of her opponents.

Looking ahead, Dr. Aceng announced plans for additional healthcare infrastructure, including the construction of a Blood Bank at LRRH set to begin in April. "A healthy person can work and improve his/her livelihood; that’s why the health of the people of my constituency is my priority," she stated passionately. 

Furthermore, she revealed that two additional projects are nearing completion at LRRH: a facility for oxygen production and an ambulance dispatch service. "I hear people saying they’re bringing their ambulances; those are not ambulances but carrier vehicles. An ambulance should be fully equipped with all the necessary equipment," she clarified, promising a dedicated dispatch service center for Lira City and the surrounding region.