Lira City, Uganda: The Satellite Laboratory at Lira Regional Referral Hospital has secured global accreditation from the South African National Accreditation System (SANAS), marking a major milestone for healthcare delivery in northern Uganda.
The accreditation, confirmed in a letter signed by SANAS Acting Chief Executive Officer F. Osman, certifies that the laboratory meets internationally recognised standards for technical competence. It covers Molecular Biology, Point-of-Care Testing (POCT), and Serology, critical areas in modern diagnostics.
The development positions the Lira-based facility among a select group of laboratories worldwide trusted to deliver accurate, reliable, and internationally accepted test results.
“This is a historic achievement for Lira and the entire country,” said Dr Andrew Odur. “It demonstrates that our laboratories can meet and even exceed global standards. Most importantly, it assures our patients that the results they receive here are accurate, reliable, and internationally recognised.”
The accreditation is expected to significantly ease access to specialised diagnostic services in northern Uganda, where patients have long been forced to travel to Kampala or abroad for advanced testing.
“For years, many of our people have had to send samples to Kampala or even outside Uganda,” Dr Odur said. “Now, those services are available right here at home. It saves time, reduces costs, and ultimately improves patient outcomes.”
Under the certification, all test results generated in Molecular Biology, POCT, and Serology will carry international recognition—strengthening both clinical care and public health response capacity.
Health experts say the accreditation enhances Uganda’s ability to detect and respond to disease outbreaks, improve surveillance systems, and participate in global research collaborations.
“This is not just about a certificate on the wall,” Dr Odur emphasised. “It is about systems, discipline, and consistency in delivering quality results every single day.”
Community Confidence Grows
The milestone has been widely welcomed by residents, many of whom say it will transform access to healthcare services in the region.
“As a patient, you always want to be sure the results you get are correct,” said Oloro Martin, a resident of Lira City. “Knowing that our hospital laboratory is recognised internationally gives us confidence and peace of mind.”
Amborse Ojok said the development will also ease financial pressure on families. “Travelling to Kampala for tests has been very expensive—transport, accommodation, and time away from work all adds up. Now we can access the same quality services here,” Ojok noted.
Local leaders described the accreditation as a sign of growing regional progress. “This puts Lira on the map,” said Patrick Onyum, LC3 Chairperson of Atongtidi Sub-county in Kwania District. “It shows that development is reaching us and that our institutions can compete at a global level.”
What SANAS Accreditation Means
The South African National Accreditation System is globally recognised for its rigorous evaluation processes, requiring laboratories to demonstrate strong quality management systems, technical expertise, and consistent accuracy in testing.
With this recognition, Lira Regional Referral Hospital’s Satellite Laboratory joins a global network of trusted facilities, an achievement expected to strengthen confidence in Uganda’s healthcare system.
“This achievement belongs to the people of Lango and Uganda at large,” Dr Odur said. “It proves that with investment, commitment, and teamwork, we can build a health system that meets international standards.”
Health officials say the next priority is maintaining the strict standards required under the accreditation to ensure sustained quality service delivery.
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