Parliament committee on Health Applauds the Laboratory Sector
Kampala, Uganda – April 24, 2025:
The National Health Laboratory and Diagnostic Services (NHLDS) played host to members of Parliament from the Health Committee, led by Hon. Dr. Joseph Ruyonga, on a high-level oversight visit aimed at evaluating Uganda's laboratory and diagnostic capacity.
The visit offered legislators a first-hand look into the NHLDS facilities and operations, including a tour of the National reference laboratories. The committee was visibly impressed by Uganda’s readiness and resilience in laboratory services, especially in responding to epidemics, pandemics, and a broad range of health conditions affecting Ugandans.
“I applaud the team for the level of specialisation, leading the way from back door to the regional center of excellence. We have heard so much about this lab and we decided to visit, after today I will also implore the Speaker of Parliament to visit to see first hand the work the Lab sector is doing nationally and at international level” said Hon. Dr. Joseph Ruyonga, Chairperson of the Health Committee.
The MPs commended NHLDS for its advanced infrastructure, modern diagnostic technology, and the wide scope of testing services offered. They also pledged to advocate for improved funding for laboratory services in upcoming health sector budgets.
“We have seen things we did not expect in Uganda; machinery, technology and innovations. If we had not come, we would not have known all this existed. Now I have reason to advocate for budget allocations to the lab sector,” Hon. Sarah Kayaga DWMP Namisindwa District.
“We need to support the lab sector because it encompasses other aspects of security, tourism, networks, public health emergencies and lab services which are critical for national development. However, my appeal is that the military hospitals like Bombo Hospital should be supported to get a state-of-the-art lab like other referral hospitals”, Hon. Dr. Victoria Nekesa -UPDF Representative appealed.
During the engagement, Dr. Susan Nabadda, NHLDS Commissioner, presented a comprehensive overview of the department’s achievements and persistent challenges including;
Heavy donor reliance
Limited Human resources R & infrastructure at RRHs notably Gulu, Hoima, Soroti, Jinja, and Kabale.
Need for increased government funding for equipment & laboratory supplies among others.
She emphasized the urgent need for increased government investment in laboratory sector as high-priority amidst donor fund cuts following the United States Government funding freeze.
“Our reliance on donor funding is unsustainable. We need a clear and consistent government commitment to support the provision of essential lab equipment, reagents, and human resources at all levels. We would like to have wellness clinics functionalised at RRHs up to the health center IIIs and bring services closer to the people through the VHTS and community Health workers (CHWs) but we don’t have logistics,” Dr. Nabadda urged.
She also raised concerns about the growing threat of antimicrobial resistance (AMR), calling on Parliament to enact legislation that would prohibit the over-the-counter sale of antibiotics without prescription.
“Unchecked access to antibiotics is fuelling resistance at an alarming rate. We must act now to safeguard the future of effective treatment. This will also help in reducing government expenditure on buying new drugs,” she warned.
