By Our Reporter
The Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) has made a significant leap in modernizing its health protection capabilities by launching a cutting-edge biosafety level 2-plus laboratory in Mbuya, a pioneering achievement among East African armed forces. The new lab, designed to tackle both known and emerging biothreats, was inaugurated by Lt Gen Sam Okiding, Deputy Chief of Defence Forces, on behalf of Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba, the Chief of Defence Forces (CDF).
During the commissioning ceremony, Lt Gen Okiding highlighted the lab’s strategic role in safeguarding the health of the forces, emphasizing the UPDF’s commitment to continuous professional advancement and investment in protecting both the troops and the nation from potential biological hazards.
Maj Gen Dr. Ambrose Musinguzi, head of Joint Staff Health Services, expressed gratitude to President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni for his support in funding the laboratory, which is part of his broader vision for the army’s modernization and strengthening of medical research capabilities.
Dr. Allan Muruta, Commissioner of Epidemiology and Surveillance at the Ministry of Health, commended the strong partnership between the UPDF and the Ministry, assuring ongoing collaboration in healthcare delivery and global health initiatives.
The Rear Public Health Laboratory, equipped with molecular and immunological platforms, will analyze samples from over twenty sentinel sites across Uganda and from UPDF deployment areas, including Somalia, Equatorial Guinea, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. This facility is a critical component of a larger network designed to monitor and respond to emerging and re-emerging infectious diseases, such as Ebola, Marburg, yellow fever, Chikungunya, Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever, and dengue.
Given the nature of their work, UPDF troops are frequently exposed to biohazards in the wild, including vectors, environmental factors, and animal reservoirs. This new laboratory enhances the UPDF’s ability to protect its personnel and respond swiftly to biological threats, ensuring the safety and readiness of Uganda’s armed forces.