Accreditation for Health, Safety, Market Access, and Sustainable Development
3rd April, 2025: Kampala.
Uganda has taken a major leap forward in health service quality and trade readiness with the launch of the Uganda National Accreditation Service (UGANAS). UGANAS is a new statutory body designed to provide locally accessible, affordable, and accreditation services in Uganda for both trade and health sectors.
On April 3, 2025, key stakeholders from government, academia, private sector, and international development partners gathered at Golden Tulip Hotel, Kampala for the UGANAS Accreditation Symposium, under the theme: "Accreditation for Health and Safety, Market Access, and Sustainable Development."
The event, co-organized by the Ministry of Health (MoH) and Ministry of Trade, Industry and Cooperatives (MoTIC), provided a platform for experts to explore how accreditation enhances quality in healthcare and opens doors to global markets.
In his opening remarks, Mr. Richard Musafiri, Director of UGANAS, shared that Uganda is now closer than ever to operationalizing its own accreditation body. With over 50 trained assessors, office infrastructure in place. He adds that with partnerships formed with regional bodies like KENAS (Kenya), UGANAS is poised to reduce the country’s reliance on costly foreign accreditation services.
He noted that UGANAS is already an associate member of the African Accreditation Cooperation (AFRAC), and aims for full international recognition within two years, a move that will boost trust in Ugandan products and services both locally and globally.
The health sector was a focal point of the symposium. NHLDS Commissioner Dr. Susan Nabadda, emphasized the life-saving role of accreditation in diagnostics:
“Accreditation sets a standard that ensures every patient gets the right test result, every time. It reduces errors, strengthens public trust, and ultimately saves lives.”
She added that Uganda's target is to accredit over 284 laboratories by 2030, and highlighted the cost burden currently borne due to external accreditation services. She called for increased local awareness and stronger institutional commitment to quality standards.
Accreditation also plays a pivotal role in trade and economic development. Speakers from MoTIC, JCRC, UNBS, UIRI, and the private sector shared insights on how accreditation supports food safety, facilitates exports, and enhances Uganda’s competitiveness—especially in emerging markets such as Halal-certified products.
JCRC Executive Director Dr. Cissy Kityo highlighted the center’s use of accreditation to participate in global research collaborations and clinical trials, including in groundbreaking areas such as stem cell therapy.
Panel discussions explored accreditation in health and safety, trade facilitation, and private sector innovation. Key takeaways included the need for:
Uganda National Accreditation Service (UGANAS) to continue efforts to reduce the cost of accreditation for laboratories.
Ministry of Health to work on increasing awareness about the benefits of accreditation among laboratory managers and staff.
Uganda National Bureau of Standards (UNBS) to upgrade their proficiency testing schemes to international standards.
Ministry of Education and Sports to include quality management systems training in laboratory science curricula.
Laboratory managers to incorporate quality management and performance metrics into staff appraisal processes.
UGANAS to develop a communication plan to increase public awareness about accreditation and its benefits among others.
The meeting also underscored the difference between accreditation (evaluation of bodies performing certification/testing) and certification (confirmation that a product/system meets standards), clarifying common misconceptions among stakeholders.
In his closing remarks, Prof. Moses Joloba, reminded participants that embracing quality is not optional but a necessity.
“Mistakes can happen, but when we commit to continuous improvement, accreditation becomes achievable. Let’s make quality our culture.”
