Uganda Technical College - Lira (UTC - Lira) is one of the oldest Technical Institutions having started in 1948 as an Artisan Center for training the World War II veterans. It therefore started admitting Primary School leavers as a Technical School, awarding Uganda Junior Tehnical Certificate   (UJTC).

 In 1972, UTC - Lira became a Technical Institution admitting O' level holders for training in Craft Certificate Courses in; Carpentry and Joinery, Brick-   laying and Concrete Practice, Painting and Decoration, Electrical Installation,and Motor Vehicle Technician.

 It operated as a Technical Institution up to 1984, then it was upgraded to a Technical College; admitting Advanced Level holders for Ordinary Diploma   Programs in; Building and Civil Engineering, Water Engineering, Architectural Draughtsmanship, Electrical Engineering and Mechanical Engineering.

The ministry of Education and Sports instituted the revision of curriculum for Diploma in Engineering Programs to change from Theoretical Training to Competence Based Education & Training (CBET) Practical Curriculum with effect from 2011/12 Academic Year, which is currently inuse and examined by Uganda Business and Technical Examinations Board (UBTEB).

The College currently runs Diploma and Certificate Level Courses in the following fields: Automotive Technology, Building, Construction and the Built Environment, Engineering and Manufacturing Technology, Information and Communication Technology