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Uhuru sickle cell run to fund diagnostic machines for Dokolo and Kwania

24 September 2026, 8:08 pm

Participants during the 2nd annual run.

By Baker Okello

The Catherine Phil Sickle Cell Support Initiative has announced that proceeds from this year’s Uhuru Sickle Cell Run will be used to purchase and install specialised diagnostic equipment at Dokolo Health Centre IV in Dokolo District and Aduku Health Centre IV in Kwania District.

The initiative’s Executive Director, Daniel Roy Odur, said the main objective of the 3rd Annual Uhuru Sickle Cell Run, scheduled for October 3, is to raise funds to procure two haemoglobin electrophoresis analysers for the two health facilities.

Odur explained that the specialised machines will support early screening of infants, accurate diagnosis and improved clinical management of Sickle Cell Disease (SCD).

He added that the State House Comptroller, Ms. Jane Barekye, is expected to attend the event as the chief guest.

Odur confirmed the annual uhuru Sickle cell run is to raise funds to procure two hemoglobin electrophoresis analysers for the two health facilities.

Odur also explained how proceeds from previous editions of the run have contributed to expanding sickle cell diagnostic services across the region.

He said the first annual run, held in October 2024, raised funds to procure and install haemoglobin electrophoresis machines at Lira Regional Referral Hospital and Alebtong Health Centre IV.

He added that proceeds from the second annual run, held in October 2025, were used to further expand diagnostic capacity beyond Lira by supporting Apac General Hospital and Amolatar Health Centre IV with the necessary equipment.

Odur explained how proceeds from previous editions of the run have contributed to expanding sickle cell diagnostic services.

The initiative says the growing number of people seeking sickle cell services continues to place pressure on existing regional health facilities. Lira Regional Referral Hospital alone has more than 1,780 registered sickle cell patients.

Odur said equipping health facilities in Dokolo and Kwania will help decentralise sickle cell diagnostic services and reduce the burden on patients and families who currently have to travel to Lira City for basic diagnostic blood tests.

The expansion of diagnostic services to Dokolo and Kwania is expected to bring sickle cell testing closer to communities, enabling earlier diagnosis and helping families access essential care without travelling long distances to Lira City.