Over 15 unlicensed clinics shut down in Lira and Dokolo

17 December 2025, 20:37

By Winnie Auma

Allied health professionals in Uganda have shut down more than 15 unlicensed private clinics in Lira City, Lira District and Dokolo District.

The Lango Regional Supervisor for the Allied Health Professionals Council, Nicholas Otto, said the team is currently conducting a crackdown across the Lango sub-region to address the illegal operation of clinics, which he noted poses a risk to the local population.

Otto explained that the exercise began on Monday this week and, so far, 15 clinics have been closed in Lira City and Lira District, with a further four shut down in Dokolo District.

Otoo said most of the facilities closed were unlicensed, while others had poor hygiene standards and lacked the required operational approvals.

He expressed concern that some facilities did not have qualified health workers, noting that students were being used as nurses, a practice he described as illegal and a serious risk to patients’ lives.

Meanwhile, the Registrar of the Allied Health Professionals Council of Uganda, Peter Nyamutale, expressed disappointment with some health workers who are aware of the procedures for operating a clinic but deliberately choose not to comply.

He therefore advised proprietors of private clinics to ensure they follow the registration guidelines in order to operate without interference from authorities.