Lira City, Uganda — UMEME, Uganda’s leading electricity distributor, has announced the completion of a dedicated underground power line to Lira Regional Referral Hospital, aimed at addressing the long-standing issue of power blackouts that have disrupted the hospital’s operations.
Peter Kaujju, Head of Communication and Marketing at UMEME, revealed that the project was executed by Hest Engineering Company Ltd at a cost of USD 65,000.
The government-funded project, which stretches 3 kilometers from UMEME’s Lira Subpower Station in Kakoge ‘A’ to the hospital, took two months to complete.
Kaujju said that this dedicated line is specifically designed to supply uninterrupted electricity to Lira Regional Referral Hospital, ensuring that critical medical services are no longer hampered by power outages.
The project is in its final stages, with the last connection to the hospital underway. Once complete, the line will be integrated with essential medical equipment and machines to ensure smooth operations.
Kaujju emphasized that some equipment, such as the Hospital’s oxygen plant, has already been connected to the new power line.
The uninterrupted supply will be a significant boost for the hospital, particularly in critical areas like intensive care, maternity wards, and emergency services, where stable electricity is essential.
This power line will provide a reliable and steady energy supply, solving the blackouts that have previously disrupted hospital operations.
The official commissioning of the line is expected to take place within the next two weeks. Kaujju expressed confidence that the hospital will soon be fully operational with its dedicated power source, greatly enhancing service delivery.
The project is part of a broader effort by UMEME and the government to strengthen the health sector by ensuring reliable infrastructure.
Lira Regional Referral Hospital serves a large population in Northern Uganda and neighboring regions, making stable electricity a crucial component of its ability to provide quality healthcare.
The dedicated line not only guarantees uninterrupted power but also eliminates the challenges posed by load shedding and system failures. It underscores UMEME’s commitment to supporting critical national infrastructure.
The project has been welcomed by both the hospital management and residents of Lira City. With power blackouts now a thing of the past, the hospital is expected to improve its efficiency in handling emergencies and delivering life-saving treatments.
The project exemplifies the importance of collaboration between the government and utility providers in addressing pressing societal needs. As the hospital prepares to inaugurate the new power line, expectations are high that it will revolutionize healthcare delivery in the region.
