By Patrick Opio
Senior Communications Officer
Lira University Management headed by the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Dr.Jasper Ogwal Okeng, has developed ambitious plans to establish three multi-billion shillings’ strategic infrastructure projects including a magnificent modern University Main Library.
The proposed projects are Main library building, extension of the Teaching Hospital building, and Faculty of Management Sciences building with a Business Incubation Hub. All the projects are estimated to cost US Dollars 37,633,421.46 (about180 billion Uganda shillings).
Prof. Dr.Ogwal Okeng said the University Main Library will provide critical academic support, digital resource access, and collaborative workspaces for students and staff. “The Main Library will definitely enhance learning, drive local research output, and bridge information gaps,” he said during the Top Management Meeting on 29th July 2026.
Prof. Dr. Ogwal Okeng noted that the extension of the Teaching hospital will further provide vibrant gains by advancing medical training, driving clinical research, and delivering advanced patient care to both the university and the surrounding population.
If the Teaching Hospital structure is extended, Dr.Ogwal Okeng noted, the facility will offer advanced care access through providing specialized treatments, modern equipment, and expert multidisciplinary teams for complex or rare diseases.
The Vice Chancellor asserted that the Faculty of Management Sciences with a business incubation hub is expected to provide direct practical application of theory, hands-on enterprise training, and vital industry networking. “I am quite sure this combination bridges the gap between traditional classroom learning and real-world commercial success, so the university is in dire need of the proposed building project,” he adds.
Design of Faculty of Managment Sciences with Business Incubation Hub
In an earlier meeting, Eng. Pascal Barebente, head of the building consultancy service team, presented the technical proposed designs of the flagship projects for the university Top Management to endorse them.
Eng. Barebente said stakeholder consultations were successfully done as the detailed designs, architectural and engineering drawings also completed. He said the projects will significantly strengthen Lira University’s academic, research, innovation and healthcare capacities.
The designs, Eng. Barebente said, have been developed in accordance with the established engineering standards, stakeholder requirements and strategic development priorities of the university. He adds, “they provide a technically coordinated and implementation ready framework to guide statutory approvals, procurement and construction.”
He revealed that the development of the projects commenced following the communication from the Office of the University Secretary in October 2023, assigning him the responsibility of leading the engineering design of the university’s priority infrastructure projects.
Dr. Andrew Ojulong, the Senior Librarian, said the proposed Main Library structure will be capable of providing digital and research access through entry to electronic databases, institutional repositories, and online journals that aid in writing theses and assignments.
The Design of the Extension of the Teaching Hospital Building
“The building will provide quiet physical environments and group discussion rooms that offer reliable haven from noise and home distractions, these are conducive study spaces,” Dr. Ojulong observed.
On research and publishing, Dr. Ojulong said, the library will provide support for tracking citations, conducting literature reviews, and managing institutional repository outputs including opportunities for academic staff to work with librarians on resource mobilization, open-access policies, and student mentorship.
The Acting University Secretary, Mr. Atim Tom said the projects were already coded by the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development, awaiting funding. He added that there is need for lobbying for funds from national and international partnerships.
Officers pose for a group photo after the meeting where Eng. Pascal Barebente presented the building designs for approval
The meeting was attended by the Ag. Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic Affairs), Assoc. Prof. Judith Akello Abal, Senior Legal Officer, Mr. Olwoch Evans, Ag. Bursar, CPA. Elemu Anthony, Ag. Dean of Students, Mr. Opok James Bond, Assoc. Prof. Edward Kumakech, Deputy Chief Human Resource Officer, Mr. Albert Apenyo , Dean Faculty of Medicine, Dr. Olwa and Senior Security Officer, Mr. Opolo Peace, among others.
