Julius Muhumuza

His Excellency Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, President of Uganda, has called on African Union member states to support the African Society for Laboratory Medicine (ASLM) in its efforts to boost the manufacturing of vaccines, medicines, and laboratory logistics. He emphasized that such initiatives will not only enhance Africa's preparedness for pandemics but also generate jobs and income for Africans.

President Museveni made this call after being honoured as a champion for improving health laboratory services across the continent. The recognition was presented to him by the African Society for Laboratory Medicine (ASLM).

President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has been honoured as a champion in improving health laboratory services across Africa. The recognition was conferred upon him by the African Society for Laboratory Medicine (ASLM).

In his acceptance speech, President Museveni commended the leadership of ASLM for acknowledging Uganda's efforts in advancing the goal of quality laboratory services for all Africans.

President Museveni highlighted that to effectively combat diseases, priority must be given to building capacity for accurate diagnosis. He cited the early 1980s as an example when the spread of the AIDS pandemic was exacerbated by the lack of proper testing and diagnostic facilities.

He says that through experience, he learnt that it is suicidal to rely on other people for medical supplies and research, hence appreciating the African Society for Laboratory Medicine for fostering Pan-African collaboration, in expanding access to quality laboratory services in Africa.

He urged the African states to support ASLM’s efforts to boost the manufacture of vaccines, medicines, and laboratory logistics because it will not only increase our pandemic preparedness but also create jobs and incomes for our people. 

Uganda remains committed to increasing access to affordable and quality laboratory services to ensure early detection of diseases and management of outbreaks.