Lira Army Barracks Fridge for Dead Bodies Breaks Down

Lira town residents have been forced to resort to traditional methods of preservation of dead bodies after the breakdown of the military fridge at Lira army barracks.

The refrigerator system for dead bodies installed at 403 brigade military barracks at Senior Quarters in Lira town broke down about a month ago.

Lieutenant Ceaser Olweny, 5th Division army spokesman confirmed the breakdown of the refrigerator system.

Although the division authority notified military headquarters of the breakdown and urgency of repair, the system has not yet been repaired.

Initially, dead bodies would be taken for preservation at Gulu 4th division headquarters or to Acholpii at 5th division headquarters before the establishment of the Lira army barracks refrigerator system.

Traditionally dead bodies are treated using paraffin for those who cannot afford to buy embalming fluid that contains a mixture of formaldehyde, methanol, ethanol and other solvents that cost between 40,000 and 60,000 shillings a litre from commercial pharmacies.

Beatrice Apong, the acting Lira district heath officer, says the district does not have any plan to install one because it does not have where to house it or ability to maintain it.

She notes that even Lira regional referral hospital does not have one either. She appeals to the Ministry of Health consider installing one for the hospital.

Lira military barracks has about 6 different fridges with each accommodating between 6 to 8 bodies.