Uganda Boosts Ebola Detection with New Mobile Lab

Uganda has significantly enhanced its capacity to combat infectious disease outbreaks with the arrival of a new mobile Biosafety Level-3 laboratory. This advanced facility, costing approximately Shs1.87 billion ($500,000), is designed to bring rapid diagnostic services directly to the frontlines of potential outbreaks, particularly in areas that are difficult to access.

The crucial equipment was secured through funding from the African Development Bank and was officially handed over to the Ministry of Health by the World Health Organisation (WHO) in Kampala. This mobile lab is part of a larger health initiative by the African Development Bank, which spans from mid-2023 to August 2025.

According to Dr. Kasonde Mwinga, the WHO Country Representative, the mobile laboratory will be instrumental in enabling advanced diagnostic capabilities to be deployed closer to communities. This proximity is vital for quicker detection, which in turn guides public health responses and ultimately saves lives during disease emergencies.

Beyond its role in domestic surveillance, the laboratory is also intended to support the ongoing response to the Ebola outbreak in the neighboring Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Health Ministry Permanent Secretary Diana Atwine indicated that the facility’s deployment could be flexible, potentially being utilized in the DRC if the need is greatest, or stationed in Uganda for local emergencies.

This initiative aims to address the delays in laboratory result turnaround times previously experienced in some affected regions of the DRC. By testing samples closer to the epicenters of outbreaks, the mobile lab is expected to drastically reduce the time it takes to confirm suspected cases. This swift confirmation is critical for implementing effective containment measures and preventing the cross-border spread of the virus into Uganda.

Uganda has also been active in establishing treatment and screening centers along its border with the DRC. While Uganda was declared free of the 2026 Ebola outbreak on July 28 after a 42-day monitoring period, the country remains vigilant. Enhanced surveillance at border crossings and continued collaboration with the DRC are key components of Uganda’s strategy to prevent future introductions of the virus and strengthen its overall public health preparedness. The mobile laboratory represents a significant step forward in this ongoing effort.

Source: Daily Monitor (Uganda)