By Alice
Officials from the Uganda COVID-19 Response and Emergency Preparedness Project (UCREPP), part of the Ministry of Health, have highlighted a significant progress on the construction of a multibillion-shilling International satellite laboratory at Fort Portal Regional Referral Hospital.
Key Satelite Components
During a media tour of the facility yesterday, Doreen Nshabohurira, the communications officer for UCREPP, explained that the project includes five key components,contact tracing, reporting and recording to ensure it is at the international standard to conduct all the tests that will be recognized internationally
Nshabohurira highlighted that the facility has been unable to conduct certain tests in recent years due to various challenges, including disease characteristics, limited space, and a lack of equipment. She is however hopeful that the completed laboratory will enhance the ability to manage outbreaks effectively.
She revealed that the construction is expected to cost 3.7 billion shillings, with an additional 1.3 billion allocated for equipping the facility.
Rwenzori Region to benefit
Dr. Oscar Kalisa, the acting hospital director, mentioned that the satellite laboratory will serve the entire Rwenzori region, surrounding areas, and parts of the DRC, which are prone to epidemics such as Ebola, MPox, measles, and Marburg. He noted the difficulties in transporting samples to Entebbe, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic, which delayed result processing.
Lauben Basiime, the general foreman from Azu Properties Ltd, the project’s contractor, stated that construction began on January 23 last year. Although the project was originally scheduled for completion three months ago, delays occurred due to design changes and weather conditions.
Basiime reported that they are currently 80% complete and aim to finalize the project by December 15, with an official handover to the Ministry of Health planned for January 7 next year.
