Lira University (LU) is a public university in Uganda, one of the eleven public degree-awarding institutions in the country. Initially established in 2009 as a constituent college of Gulu University under the name Gulu University Constituent College Lira, it gained autonomy as a fully-fledged public university in 2015 through Statutory Instrument No. 35.
The university is notable for being the host of Uganda’s first university teaching hospital, reflecting its strong focus on health sciences and applied technology.
Motto: The Beacon
Type: Public University
Established: 1 July 2012 (autonomy granted July 16, 2015)
Chancellor: Benjamin Josses Odoki
Vice-Chancellor: Prof. Jasper Ogwal Okeng
Students: 1,000+ (2019)
Address: 7R2C+9CV, Lira, Uganda
Coordinates: 02°15′04″N 32°49′16″E
Campus: Urban (500 acres / 202 ha)
Website: www.lirauni.ac.ug
Vision & Mission
- Vision: To become “a Beacon Centre of Applied Science and Technology.”
- Mission: To provide access to quality higher education, research, and professional training for delivering health services directed towards sustainable health, community, and environmental development.
Location
The campus sits on 500 acres of land, approximately 11 km northwest of downtown Lira, along the Lira–Kamdini Road.
- Coordinates: 2°15′04.0″N, 32°49′16.0″E
- Region: Northern Uganda
History
- 2009: Established as Gulu University Constituent College Lira.
- 2012: Opened with its pioneer class of 100 students.
- 2015: Elevated to full university status by Act of Parliament (effective 2016–17 academic year).
- 2016: Commenced operations as an autonomous public university.
Faculties
As of 2024, Lira University comprises the following faculties and academic units:
- Faculty of Information and Computer Sciences
- Faculty of Midwifery
- Faculty of Public Health
- Faculty of Management Science
- Faculty of Medicine
- Faculty of Education
- Law Development Centre (affiliated programs)
Academic Programmes
Undergraduate
- Bachelor of Computer Science
- Bachelor of Library and Information Science
- Bachelor of Information and Communication Technology
- Bachelor of Computer Animation
- Bachelor of Medicine and Surgery
- Bachelor of Science in Community Psychology and Psychotherapy
- Bachelor of Science in Midwifery
- Bachelor of Science in Public Health
- Bachelor of Human Nutrition and Dietetics
- Bachelor of Commerce
- Bachelor of Science with Education (Physical, Biological, Agricultural, and Economics)
- Bachelor of Education (Primary & Secondary)
- Bachelor of Computer Education
- Bachelor of Public Administration and Management
- Bachelor of Science in Economics
- Bachelor of Business Administration
- Bachelor of Science in Accounting and Finance
Postgraduate
- Master of Midwifery Science
- Master of Public Health
- Executive Master of Business Administration
- Master of Arts in Public Administration and Management
- Postgraduate Diploma in Financial Management
- Postgraduate Diploma in Public Administration and Management
Distinctive Features
- First Ugandan university to establish a fully functional teaching hospital.
- Strong specialization in health sciences, midwifery, and applied technology.
- Strategic location in Northern Uganda to enhance access to higher education in underserved regions.
- Emphasis on practical, skill-oriented courses in medicine, ICT, and management.
