LIRA, UGANDA – Wednesday, 17th July 2026 — A spirit of unity and renewed purpose filled the air at Lira Regional Referral Hospital (LRRH) today as staff, administrators, and religious leaders gathered for the institution's inaugural Prayer Breakfast, a landmark event aimed at dedicating the hospital's workforce to God as the new financial year begins.
The event, held at the hospital's parking yard, was graced by the Bishop Emeritus of the Diocese of West Lango, Rt. Rev. Alfred Acur Okodi, who also serves as the Hospital Anglican Chaplain. In his keynote address, Bishop Acur urged health workers and administrators to embrace teamwork and strive for excellence in medical service delivery.
"Medical professionals are called by God to lead the restoration of health," Bishop Acur emphasized. "However, no single individual can transform this hospital alone. Success depends on the collective efforts of doctors, nurses, administrators, and religious leaders working in unity."
The Bishop commended the hospital director and staff for their dedication but challenged them to address inefficiencies more closely and use their God-given abilities to positively influence patient outcomes.
Echoing this sentiment, the General Secretary of the Lango Religious Leaders Forum, Rev. Thomas Obong, reminded attendees that "no one is a hero alone." He called on all stakeholders to work together to celebrate one another and accomplish the important task before them.
Speaking at the event, the Acting Director of Lira Regional Referral Hospital, Dr. Andrew Odur, revealed that the prayer breakfast was initiated by the top management as a way of thanking God for the hospital's achievements while reflecting on the journey ahead.
"Ladies and gentlemen, this hospital has existed for more than 100 years and has experienced significant growth in staff numbers, infrastructure improvement, and a strengthened health system," Dr. Odur remarked. "However, we still need a more organized health workforce."
Dr. Odur highlighted the hospital's remarkable progress, noting that LRRH now performs over 300,000 laboratory tests, more than 10,000 surgical operations, and over 200 dialysis sessions monthly. He proudly shared that the newly functionalized Intensive Care Unit (ICU) has saved three out of five critically ill patients who would otherwise have been declared dead.
"The message we wish to continue giving to the public is that this hospital is on a trajectory to become the best in the country," Dr. Odur declared. "We want you to join hands with us on the spiritual side, but also as leaders in the community, so that we position this hospital with an advantage over others in this country."
The prayer breakfast, held under the theme "Delivering Quality Healthcare through Hard Work and Compassion," was attended by a cross-section of religious leaders under the Lango Religious Leaders Forum. By 8:00 AM, staff had already gathered in a jovial mood, singing songs of praise as the men of God arrived.
Other religious dignitaries present included Rev. Fr. Dr. Peter Clever Ongom (Catholic Community Chaplain), Rev. Silvanus Ogwal (Pentecostal Assembly of God – Lira Pastorate), Supreme Kadthi Sheik Yusuf Balinda (Lango Supreme Muslim District Administration), Prof. Opio Okaka Dokotum, and Senior Pastor Paul Egwar of PAG City Church.
The historic event marked the beginning of a new chapter for LRRH, with leaders and staff committing to hard work, compassion, and unwavering teamwork as they strive to become one of the best hospitals in the country.
