New laboratory launched to guard UPDF soldiers against deadly diseases

Lt Gen Sam Okiding, Deputy Chief of Defence Forces, officiated the launch on behalf of Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba, the Chief of Defence Forces. During the event, Gen Okiding highlighted the laboratory's pivotal role in safeguarding the health of the forces against both known and emerging biological threats. He commended the UPDF's ongoing commitment to professional advancement and reiterated the importance of investing in protective measures to safeguard the nation's defenders.

Maj Gen Dr. Ambrose Musinguzi from the Joint Staff Health Services expressed gratitude towards President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni for his support in funding the project. He noted that the laboratory aligns with the President’s vision of modernizing the military and bolstering medical research capabilities within the armed forces.

Dr. Allan Muruta, Commissioner of Epidemiology and Surveillance from the Ministry of Health, also lauded the collaborative efforts between the UPDF and the Ministry of Health. He assured ongoing support in healthcare delivery and emphasized the global health implications of this initiative.

The newly established Rear Public Health Laboratory is equipped with advanced molecular and immunological platforms to process samples from more than twenty sentinel sites across Uganda, as well as from areas where UPDF troops are deployed internationally, such as Somalia, Equatorial Guinea, and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

This laboratory is part of a broader network designed to monitor and respond to emerging and re-emerging infectious diseases, including highly contagious viruses like Ebola, Marburg, yellow fever, Chikungunya, Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever, and dengue. Given the nature of military operations, troops are frequently exposed to potential biohazards. This facility will play a crucial role in rapidly identifying and responding to health threats, thereby ensuring the safety and readiness of the UPDF personnel in their missions both domestically and abroad