A health facility at Lira Primary School which was commissioned by President Yoweri Museveni a decade ago, is finally set to start operating after remaining dormant since its inauguration.
The Faizan Madina Health Centre III (HCIII), located at Lira Primary School, was initially commissioned on February 19, 2015, following its construction through a donation by Munazzamat Al-Daawa Al-Islamiya, an Islamic Missionary and Relief Organization in Uganda.
The health center was built with the objective of easing the burden on Ober Health Centre IV and Lira Regional Referral Hospital. However, financial constraints hindered its ability to procure essential medical equipment and supplies, leaving it non-operational for ten years.
As a result, the local population was forced to travel long distances to access healthcare services at the already overwhelmed Ober HCIV and Lira Regional Referral Hospital.
A new chapter for the facility began with a generous donation from BAPS Charities, an international religious and charitable organization. The charity provided health equipment worth UGX 40 million, paving the way for the full operationalization of Faizan Madina HCIII. This development has brought renewed hope to the local Muslim community.
Amina Aceng, a resident of Kakoge B in Lira City West Division, expressed optimism about the facility’s imminent operation. She emphasized that the lack of financial support had been a significant barrier to accessing healthcare services in the area. With the health center now equipped, she believes that healthcare services will be more accessible to the community.
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Sheik Balinda Yusuf Balinda, the Supreme Khadi of Greater Lango Muslim Administration, highlighted the importance of the facility for expectant mothers and young children.
He also recounted the struggles over the past decade, including attempts by individuals from the Uganda Muslim Supreme Council to lease the facility for private use. The Khadi reassured that the facility would serve all residents of Lira City West Division, regardless of religious affiliation.
Health Minister Dr. Jane Ruth Aceng Ochero, who presided over the launch of the donated equipment, acknowledged the challenges the facility had faced. She committed to supporting the health center’s registration with the Muslim Medical Bureau, ensuring its sustainability as a private, not-for-profit health unit.
