Lira, Uganda | Lira University has received medical equipment valued at $150,000 (approximately UGX 600 million) from Seeding Labs, a Boston-based non-profit organisation that supports scientific research and training in developing countries.
The consignment is expected to strengthen teaching, research, and clinical services at the Faculty of Medicine and the University Teaching Hospital.
The Acting Dean of the Faculty of Medicine, Dr. Olwa Francis, who received the shipment on 19 August 2025, said the equipment would play a critical role in improving the quality of medical training and research at the university.
The grant was secured in 2023 by Dr. Nakaziba Rebecca from the Pharmacology Department, who applied to Seeding Labs on behalf of the institution.
She explained that the consignment, which included high-tech tools such as Pharmaceutical High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) machines, a Perinatal Clinical Research Centre (PRCR), and safety hoods, had arrived at the port of Mombasa on 11 May 2025 before being transported to Lira.
Dr. Nakaziba noted that the donation was intended to support teaching and research in low-resource institutions.
She added that the equipment was expected to enhance the capacity of both students and staff, enabling them to undertake advanced research projects and improve the university’s contribution to the health sector.
Vice Chancellor Prof. Jasper Ogwal Okeng commended Seeding Labs for its continued commitment to supporting higher education and healthcare in developing countries.
He pointed out that the equipment would allow university scientists to expand research, innovate in health care, and train the next generation of medical professionals.
Prof. Ogwal Okeng further observed that access to modern laboratory technology would help the university teaching hospital to improve the quality of care.
He said the donated tools would enable lecturers and students to conduct research in different fields and address local health challenges.
He also highlighted that the consignment would provide opportunities for students and researchers to gain hands-on training, practical experience, and essential skills vital for professional development.
He emphasised that this exposure would prepare graduates to contribute more effectively to their communities and to the wider health system.
Seeding Labs, which has donated similar equipment to other institutions across the world, says its mission is to bridge the technology gap in scientific research and education by supporting under-resourced universities.