Lira City, Uganda
LIRA CITY, UGANDA
LOCATION OF LIRA CITY, UGANDA
Lira City is located in the Northern Region of Uganda. It lies approximately 337 kilometers (209 miles) North of Kampala, the capital city of Uganda. The geographical coordinates of Lira City are approximately 2°14’50.0"N latitude and 32°54’00.0"E longitude.
POPULATION OF LIRA CITY, UGANDA
As of 2024, the population of Lira City is estimated to be around 500,000 by the UBOS.
SOME HISTORY LIRA CITY, UGANDA
Lira City, located in the Northern Region of Uganda, has a rich and complex history that reflects the broader historical and cultural dynamics of the region. Here is some of the history of Lira City:
The area around Lira has been inhabited for centuries by various ethnic groups, including the Langi, Acholi, and Iteso. The Langi, being the predominant ethnic group, have significantly influenced the cultural landscape of the region.
During the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the British colonial administration established control over the area. This period saw the introduction of new political systems and the exploitation of local resources for the benefit of the colonial powers.
Lira played a notable role during the Uganda–Tanzania War (1978–1979). It was one of the last towns held by loyalists of Idi Amin. On May 15, 1979, a combined force of the Tanzania People’s Defence Force and the Uganda National Liberation Front attacked Lira, ousting Amin’s loyalists after a brief battle. This clash was one of the last significant battles of the war.
In more recent history, Lira was heavily affected by the Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA) insurgency led by Joseph Kony. The conflict, which began in the late 1980s, resulted in significant displacement, loss of lives, and destruction of infrastructure. However, the region has gradually recovered and embarked on a path of reconciliation and rebuilding.
Lira was officially designated a city in 2020, marking a new chapter in its development. The city has been undergoing rapid transformation, with efforts to modernize infrastructure while preserving its cultural heritage. Today, Lira stands as a testament to the resilience of its people, who have endured hardships and conflicts but have emerged stronger, embracing the prospect of a better future.
| Visa requirements | ENTRY INTO UGANDA (VISAS & PASSES)
Any person intending to enter into Uganda should do so only for lawful purposes and in accordance with national immigration laws, guidelines and formalities.
Foreign nationals intending to enter Uganda for purposes of employment should comply with requirements for expatriate employment in Uganda.
All visa prone nationalities must obtain Uganda visas to facilitate their entry into the country.
Uganda visas may be obtained at Uganda missions abroad or by applying online at the Uganda E-Immigration System at www.visas.immigration.go.ug
UGANDA VISAS & CORRESPONDING FEES:
WORKING AND LIVING IN UGANDAPERMITS –WORKING IN UGANDA All foreign nationals intending to work in Uganda must ensure that they are in possession of the relevant work permit. The classes of work permits are listed below. For the requirements for the different categories, please log onto the Immigration Uganda website: www.immigration.go.ug or www.visas.immigration.go.ug CLASS A (GOVERNMENT & DIPLOMATIC SERVICE) Applicants should be persons contracted for service in the Government of Uganda or diplomats accredited for service in Uganda. CLASS A2 (GOVERNMENT CONTRACTORS) Applicants should be persons on Government contracts, including persons serving in Government tertiary institutions. CLASS B (INVESTMENT IN AGRICULTURE) Applicants should be persons intending to invest in the business of agriculture or animal husbandry. CLASS C (MINING) Applicants should be persons intending to invest in the business of prospecting for minerals or mining in Uganda CLASS D (BUSINESS AND TRADE) Applicants should be persons intending to carry on the business or trade in Uganda CLASS E (MANUFACTURERS) Applicants should be persons intending to engage in manufacturing business In Uganda CLASS F (PROFESSIONALS) Applicants should be members of prescribed professionals Intending to practice RIO profession In Uganda CLASS G1 (VOLUNTEERS, NGO WORKERS, and MISSIONARIES) CLASS G2 (EMPLOYEES) Applicants should be persons intending to work as employees whether for gain or not in Uganda. Applicants under this category can only enter Uganda after grant and payment for their work permits. WORK PERMIT RENEWAL
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| Languages spoken | Lango, English and Swahili | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Currency used | Ugandan Shilling (Ugx) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Area (km2) | 347 square kilometres | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Country name | Republic of Uganda |
