Lira University:new center of execellence for nursing and midwifery training

17 March 2026, 17:21

By Winnie Auma

Lira University has qualified for upgrade to a centre of excellence for the training of nurses and midwives.

According to the Vice Chancellor of Lira University, professor Jaspher Watson Ogwal Okeng, the introduction of nursing and midwifery programmes was driven by the need to address challenges women face during pregnancy and childbirth.

Professor Ogwal Okeng noted that high maternal mortality rates in Lango sub-region have remained a major concern. Drawing from his experience as a former health worker, he said the idea to establish the training programme was aimed at finding a lasting solution within the community.

He added that Lira University is the first public university in Uganda to offer this programme. He explained that when the proposal was presented to the president of Uganda, Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, he welcomed the initiative and pledged full government support towards developing the department.

Professor Ogwal Okeng emphasized that the focus on training nurses and midwives is intentional, noting that while doctors often spend limited time with patients, nurses provide continuous care and play a critical role in the healthcare system.

He further revealed that the university continues to grow steadily, thanks to support from local leaders and the community.

He expressed appreciation to the late Yosam Odur Ebii and Lira District for offering land that enabled the establishment of the institution.

The Vice Chancellor pledged continued collaboration with local leaders to promote the development of education in the Lango sub-region.

Lira University, which began as a constituent college of Gulu University in 2009, has since grown into a fully-fledged public institution, now taking a leading role in improving maternal healthcare through specialized training.