Lira City, Uganda – In a major step towards improving healthcare in Northern Uganda, the government has launched the construction of the Lira Blood Bank, a long-awaited facility that will ensure a steady blood supply for hospitals in the region.
The groundbreaking ceremony, held on Friday, March 21, 2025, at Barapwo in Lira City, was presided over by Health Minister Dr. Jane Ruth Aceng Ocero.
The project, valued at UGX 9.6 billion, will be constructed by the UPDF Engineers Brigade, with UGX 5.6 billion allocated for construction and UGX 4 billion for equipping the facility.
Northern Uganda has struggled with frequent blood shortages, affecting life-saving procedures, maternal healthcare, and emergency response services.
While a small blood unit was established at Lira Regional Referral Hospital in 2020, it failed to meet the growing demand.
Dr. Aceng explained that the Ministry of Health had to lobby for a fully-fledged blood bank to meet the needs of the region.
“This facility will guarantee blood collection, safe storage, and timely distribution to hospitals, saving countless lives,” she said.
The Lira Blood Bank is part of a larger health investment on 20 acres of land donated by Lira University Teaching Hospital.
The land will also host a Regional Cancer Center and a Heart Center, strengthening specialized medical services in the region.
Lira University Vice Chancellor, Dr. Prof. Jasper Ogwal Okeng, welcomed the project, stating, “This is a game-changer for healthcare in Northern Uganda. A blood bank is a crucial requirement for effective medical treatment.”
Dr. Andrew Odur, Acting Director of Lira Regional Referral Hospital, revealed that the hospital alone consumes 56% of all blood allocated to the Lango sub-region due to an increasing number of complex surgeries and emergency cases.
Lira City Mayor, Sam Atul, pledged full support, particularly in developing road infrastructure to ensure smooth transportation of blood and medical personnel.
Maj. Kizito Mulwana, the General Project Manager from the UPDF Engineers Brigade, assured the public of quality construction and local economic involvement.
He stated that local labour and building materials would be prioritized to empower the Lango community.
The completion of the Lira Blood Bank will mark a significant transformation in healthcare for Northern Uganda.
