In a significant stride towards continuous modernisation, the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) has launched a state-of-the-art biosafety level 2-plus laboratory in Mbuya, a first among East African armed forces.
Lt Gen Sam Okiding, Deputy Chief of Defence Forces, commissioned the laboratory on behalf of Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba, Chief of Defence Forces (CDF).
Speaking at the function, Gen Okiding emphasised the laboratory’s strategic role in force health protection, mitigating known and anticipated threats to troops. He praised the UPDF’s continuous professional advancement, committing to continued investment in protecting the forces and the country from biothreats.
Maj Gen Dr. Ambrose Musinguzi, Joint Staff Health Services (JS HS), thanked President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni for funding the laboratory, aligning with his vision to continuous modernisation of the army and strengthening medical research.
Dr. Allan Muruta, Commissioner Epidemiology and Surveillance in the Ministry of Health, praised the UPDF-Ministry collaboration, assuring continued support in healthcare delivery and global health.
The Rear Public Health Laboratory, utilising molecular and immunological platforms, will analyse samples from over twenty sentinel sites spread across Uganda and areas where UPDF troops are deployed, including Somalia, Equatorial Guinea, and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
The laboratory is part of a wider network for surveillance of emerging and re-emerging infectious diseases, including highly infectious viruses like Ebola, Marburg, yellow fever, Chikungunya, Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever, and dengue.
In their day-to-day work, troops are always in constant interaction with potential biohazards in the wild, including vectors, environment, and animal reservoirs.