UMLTA Calls for Re-gazetting of Laboratory Specialist Post
1st September, 2025
The Uganda Medical Laboratory Technology Association (UMLTA) has called for the re-gazetting of the Laboratory Specialist post to Associate Consultant -Laboratory. The Association represented by the Vice President Eilu Roggers Michael, raised their concerns during the Health Service Commission’s (HSC) support supervision visit to the National Health Laboratory and Diagnostic Services (NHLDS).
The Association stressed that this change is vital to recognize the evolving expertise of laboratory professionals and to ensure their rightful place within Uganda’s health service structure. UMLTA also urged Regional Referral Hospital (RRH) Directors to deliberately recruit laboratory consultants and specialists, strengthening technical capacity across the system.
In addition, the Association highlighted the need for:
Redesignation and promotion of laboratory professionals with advanced qualifications before external recruitment takes place.
Recruitment or promotion of Principal Laboratory Technologists to build stronger leadership within the profession.
While the Health Service Commission has not yet issued a formal response to UMLTA’s requests, the dialogue reflects growing recognition of the laboratory workforce’s critical role in health service delivery.
During the meeting, HSC Chairperson Dr. Henry Mwebesa also noted the Commission’s recommendation to integrate Radiology into the Laboratory Department, citing limited resources and the Ministry’s current position against creating new departments.
“We have advised the Division of Radiology to join the lab sector since the ministry is not keen on creating more departments given the limited resources,” Dr. Mwebesa explained.
