Officials at Gulu Regional referral hospital say that a resolution to decentralize handling of unclaimed bodies to health facilities in the neighboring districts has helped reduce pressure on the referral hospital.
The referral hospital has for years been handling unclaimed bodies from nearby districts which has in many cases led to its mortuary operating beyond its capacity of nine bodies.
Walter Uriekwun, the Principal Hospital Administrator at Gulu Regional Referral Hospital says that following a security meeting held on February 12, 2026, bodies found in the Kitgum zone are being taken to Kitgum general hospital, Anaka general hospital is handling bodies found in the Nwoya zone, while those found in the Pabbo zone will be kept at Awach health center IV.
He says the hospital is handling bodies found in the city area and its surroundings.
Uriekwun explains that reducing on the number of bodies taken to the hospital by police has helped them offer services to patients especially at the Ear, Nose and Throat, Antenatal and eye clinics which are near the mortuary.
The three units are usually affected by foul stench when unclaimed bodies are not picked and start to decompose.
Unclaimed bodies, usually victims of road accidents, drowning and mob justice are kept for two weeks before they are buried in a public burial ground if no relative comes up to claim them.
Justine Muboka
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