Lira Regional Referral Hospital Seeks Quick Court Resolution in Longstanding Land Dispute

By Seaser Odongo, Radio Wa, Lira Diocese

The management of Lira Regional Referral Hospital has appealed to the judiciary to expedite the conclusion of a longstanding land dispute involving the hospital and sections of the local community, saying the delay is hindering expansion and effective health service delivery.

Speaking to our reporter, the Acting Director of Lira Regional Referral Hospital, Dr. Andrew Odur, said the prolonged court process has negatively affected the hospital’s plans to expand its infrastructure and improve healthcare services.

Dr. Odur explained that for the last 15 years, the hospital has been engaged in a legal battle over approximately 10.4 acres of land allegedly encroached on by members of the surrounding community.

He urged the court to speed up the final ruling, noting that the disputed land is critical for the hospital’s infrastructural development and future expansion plans aimed at improving healthcare delivery in the region.

In March 2022, the High Court in Lira ruled in favour of the hospital and issued an eviction order against the occupants. The decision was later upheld by the Court of Appeal in 2024, directing members of the Liira clan, who are now considered squatters, to vacate the contested land.

The land dispute dates back to 2007, with hospital management maintaining that the institution legally owns the land under a title issued by the Uganda Land Commission.

Members of the Liira clan, however, argue that the land originally belonged to their forefathers, who reportedly donated it for the establishment of the hospital during the British colonial administration in 1928.

The conflict escalated after the hospital dragged 21 individuals to court over alleged illegal occupation of the land.

Hospital authorities maintain that resolving the land dispute is essential for the expansion of Lira Regional Referral Hospital, which serves thousands of patients across Northern Uganda, while community members continue to seek recognition of their historical attachment to the land.

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