𝗨𝗠𝗟𝗧𝗔 𝟰𝟯𝗿𝗱 𝗦𝗰𝗶𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗳𝗶𝗰 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝗳𝗲𝗿𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗺𝗽𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀 𝗜𝗻𝗻𝗼𝘃𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗶𝗻 𝗟𝗮𝗯𝗼𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘆 𝗠𝗲𝗱𝗶𝗰𝗶𝗻𝗲

The Uganda Medical Laboratory Technology Association (UMLTA) held its 43rd Scientific Conference and Exhibition in Mbarara City, under the theme “Innovations and Excellence in Laboratory Medicine for a Better Future of Uganda’s Health Care System.”

The event brought together laboratory professionals, students, policymakers, and partners to reflect on how innovations and research can transform health service delivery across the country.

Representing the Minister of Health, Dr. Susan Nabadda, Commissioner -NHLDS, commended the professionals for their active participation and high-quality abstracts presented across various disciplines. She reiterated the Ministry’s commitment to promoting innovation, research, and evidence-based practice in laboratory medicine.

Dr. Nabadda highlighted the Ministry’s efforts through NHLDS to advocate for better recognition and opportunities for laboratory professionals, noting an increase in the number of laboratory scientists employed in government service. She also revealed that the Ministry is empowering Community Health Extension Workers (CHEWs) to perform quality testing at community level under the CHEWS strategy, ensuring accessible and reliable diagnostics.

While acknowledging ongoing challenges, Dr. Nabadda assured members that the Ministry remains in dialogue with development partners to find solutions for professionals affected by recent funding cuts.

She also encouraged professionals to explore entrepreneurship opportunities in laboratory medicine, reminding them that innovation goes hand in hand with sustainability.

The Keynote Speaker, Professor Pontiano Kaleebu from MRC/UVRI & LSHTM Uganda Research Unit), urged laboratory professionals to embrace new technologies and research in order to strengthen Uganda’s response to emerging and re-emerging infections. He also encouraged fresh graduates interested in laboratory medicine to apply for internships at UVRI to gain hands-on experience in advanced biomedical research.

The conference also featured remarks from Dr. Bagaya, Deputy Registrar of the Allied Health Professionals Council, who called for unity and collective advocacy among members to strengthen the voice of the profession.

The conference drew 14 international delegates, 264 professionals, and 50 exhibitors, along with 16 companies showcasing their products and services. A total of 64 abstracts were submitted, with 62 accepted for presentation, comprising 52 oral and 10 poster presentations.