The regional blood bank at Lira University, serving Lira Regional Referral Hospital, has reached 98% completion as of February 2026. This facility forms part of a national push to enhance blood storage and distribution, tackling shortages in northern Uganda’s health centers.
Construction began in April 2025 under the Uganda People’s Defence Forces engineering brigade, led by Second Lt. Fahad Kisosonkole. The first phase cost Ugx1 billion for core structural work, with another Ugx1 billion slated for finishing touches like plastering and fittings, targeting full completion by July 2026. Total project budget stands at Ugx9.6 billion, including Ugx5.6 billion for construction and Ugx4 billion for equipment.
The Ministry of Health, through project manager Alex Tumwesigye, aims to bolster emergency blood access for maternal emergencies, accidents, and critical care in the Lango sub-region.
Lira Regional Referral Hospital Director, Dr. Andrew Odur highlighted its life-saving potential within rising transfusion demands. Future plans include staff quarters and specialized gear in the next fiscal year.
Dr Andrew Odur speaking about the urgent need for blood bank services in Lango sub-region.
UPDF coordinator Kisosonkole expressed confidence in on-schedule delivery. Uganda Blood Transfusion Services’ Polycarp Ojok stressed ongoing coordination to avoid costly design errors. Lira University’s Sam Opito praised local job creation and community involvement during the build. Dr. Odur called for prompt staff housing funds to enable swift operations post-completion.
The plan that was unvailed during the ground breaking ceremony in march 2025
