Lira, Uganda | Hospital administrators have been urged to embrace transformative, data-driven, and innovative leadership as Uganda’s health system comes under increasing pressure from rising patient numbers, limited staffing and ageing infrastructure.
The call dominated discussions during the Annual General Meeting of the Uganda National Association of Hospital Administrators (UNAHA), association with 135 members, held at Lira Regional Referral Hospital, where members also elected a new national executive to steer the association.
Outgoing UNAHA president and Principal Hospital Administrator at Lira Regional Referral Hospital, Peter Okello Odeke, said hospital administrators remain central to the efficiency of Uganda’s health system, serving as planners, budget managers, supervisors and governance actors.
He urged a shift from routine administration to strategic leadership anchored in data use, innovation, and stronger institutional coordination.
Odeke further encouraged improved engagement with the media to enhance transparency and public communication in health service delivery.
He traced the evolution of hospital administration to the mid-1990s decentralisation reforms, which introduced professional administrators to replace clerical cadres in managing growing health sector demands.
Lira Regional Referral Hospital Director, Dr. Andrew Odur painted a picture of a system under strain despite gradual improvements in service delivery.
He said the facility, which evolved from a First World War-era screening centre into a regional referral hospital, now operates with about 472 beds, 20 specialists and roughly 330 staff members, representing only 28% staffing capacity.
Dr. Odur warned that Uganda’s doctor-to-patient ratio remains critically low, describing it as unsustainable without urgent reforms and investment in human resources and digital health systems.
He called for accelerated adoption of electronic medical records and telemedicine, among others, to improve efficiency and decision-making.
The director also cited persistent challenges, including poor internet connectivity, limited technical capacity, infrastructure gaps, and institutional disputes affecting service delivery.
Dr. Odur stressed the need for leadership innovation, warning that outdated systems are undermining patient care.
He noted that many patient complaints arise from poor communication rather than absence of services, urging administrators to improve engagement with patients and communities.
Despite challenges, he highlighted progress in ICU expansion, dialysis services, specialist care, outreach programmes, and revenue generation through a private wing.
Plans are underway to expand diagnostic services, particularly ultrasound and endoscopy, in response to rising cases of liver disease linked to alcohol use and Hepatitis B infections.
Lira City Resident City Commissioner Egole Lawrence commended hospital administrators for their role as the backbone of Uganda’s healthcare system.
He acknowledged improvements at Lira Regional Referral Hospital despite budget constraints, drug stock challenges, and staffing shortages.
Egole urged greater adoption of data-driven planning, digitisation, preventive maintenance, and staff welfare improvements to enhance patient outcomes.
He also underscored the importance of security within health facilities, noting that collaboration with police through a mini-post at the hospital had improved safety for staff, patients, and equipment.
The RCC further cautioned against confrontation in resolving institutional disputes, calling instead for dialogue and teamwork.
The AGM ushered in a new executive committee to lead UNAHA for the next term:
1. President: Walter Uryek-Wun
2. Vice President: Proscovia Awino
3. Secretary General: Bwambale Clarence
4. Assistant Secretary General: Amuge Catherine
5. Treasurer: Sarah Mulongo
6. Committee Members: Ojwang James, Andama Ben
The new president pledged to prioritise capacity building, improved coordination with the Ministry of Health, and enhanced accountability in hospital administration.
He also proposed the establishment of a coordination desk between hospital administrators and government, alongside strengthening a SACCO to improve financial empowerment and unity among members.
Delegates at the meeting emphasised the need for stronger collaboration and knowledge sharing among health facilities across Uganda.
Some participants praised improvements at Lira Regional Referral Hospital and urged documentation of best practices in resource mobilisation, infrastructure development, and service delivery to support other hospitals facing similar challenges.
The meeting brought together administrators from across the country, including representatives from Kabale, Karamoja, West Nile, Kampala, Jinja, Masaka, and Fort Portal.
The AGM concluded with renewed calls for unity, innovation, and professionalism as Uganda’s health sector grapples with increasing demand and structural pressures.