Uganda has received a mobile Biosafety Level-3 laboratory worth $500,000 (about Shs1.87 billion) from the African Development Bank through the World Health Organisation to strengthen the detection of Ebola and other dangerous disease outbreaks, especially in remote areas.
The laboratory forms part of a $1 million AfDB-supported health package implemented between June 2023 and August 2025. According to WHO Country Representative Dr Kasonde Mwinga, the facility will bring advanced diagnostic services closer to communities, enabling faster outbreak detection, improved disease surveillance, and quicker public health responses.
Ministry of Health Permanent Secretary Dr Diana Atwine said the laboratory will be deployed where the need is greatest, including neighbouring Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), where Ebola cases continue to be reported. The mobile facility will reduce delays in testing by allowing samples to be analysed closer to outbreak hotspots.
Uganda has also established Ebola treatment centres in Aru and Kasenyi in DRC and is setting up additional facilities in Mahagi and Butembo to support containment efforts and reduce the risk of cross-border transmission.
Although Uganda was declared Ebola-free on July 28 after completing the required 42-day monitoring period without a new case, following 20 confirmed infections during the 2026 outbreak, authorities say surveillance will remain strong, particularly along border areas. The mobile laboratory is expected to enhance Uganda’s preparedness and response capacity for future public health emergencies.
