Kampala, (UG):- Uganda’s Ministry of Health has flagged off the country’s first locally manufactured Rapid Diagnostic Test (RDT) kits for malaria, marking a significant milestone in the nation’s healthcare sector.
A product of local IVD manufacturer Microhaem Scientifics (MHS), the new initiative is expected to reduce reliance on imported testing kits, lower healthcare costs, and create job opportunities.
Speaking to the media at the commissioning of the RDT Kits on Monday, Dr Cedric Akwesigye, Managing Director MHS, emphasized that the new diagnostic kits are comprehensive solutions that eliminate the need for additional testing accessories.
Each kit will retail for under $1, making them more affordable than imported alternatives, which cost around $1.50. Dr Akwesige noted that with the new kits, individuals can now test themselves without needing a healthcare provider. “The test kits People can now test themselves conveniently without requiring a healthcare provider,” he said.
Dr David Nahamya, the Executive Director of the National Drug Authority (NDA), hailed the project as a historic achievement for Uganda and the region. “This is Uganda’s first facility of its kind, and in the region”. “The WHO has commended the quality of our kits,” he said.
“This is the first plant in East Africa to locally manufacture diagnostic kits, and it meets all quality standards both locally and internationally.”

With a production capacity of 85 million kits annually, MHS has already received an initial order of four million kits from the government, covering 30% of Uganda’s annual demand.
Fake kits and diagnostic gaps.
Dr. Daniel Kyabayinze, Director of Public Health at the Ministry of Health, expressed concern about counterfeit diagnostic kits in the market, warning that inaccurate results could endanger lives.
“There are fake kits that wrongly diagnose people, putting lives at risk. We must ensure only high-quality, verified diagnostic tools are available,” he cautioned.
Dr. Kyabayinze highlighted that nearly half of Uganda’s population undergoes malaria tests each year, underscoring the need for affordable and accessible diagnostic tools.
He emphasized that the availability of such locally manufactured kits is expected to help lower costs, as private health facilities currently charge about UGX 5,000 per malaria test.

Financial backing, expansion plans
The Uganda Development Bank (UDB) has provided $7.5 million in funding to support the project, with Managing Director Patricia Ojangole emphasizing the importance of long-term investment in local manufacturing. “This milestone is a testament to Uganda’s remarkable potential in healthcare manufacturing. We are committed to supporting enterprises that enhance our health system,” she stated.
Equity Bank has also pledged continued financial backing. “We started this partnership six months ago to support the manufacturing sector. We commend the work done so far and commit to supporting MHS to close the funding gaps.
The manufacturing plant, located in Kampala, was commissioned by President Yoweri Museveni on November 28, 2023, who praised the young Ugandan scientists behind the innovation and emphasized the importance of self-reliance in Africa’s healthcare sector.
The President highlighted the continent’s growing population as a critical market for locally produced goods. “I want to salute you young people for waking up and getting out of the slavery of dependency,” Museveni said. “In the next 30 years, Africa’s population will be 2.5 billion. We must seize this market opportunity by being self-reliant.”
This historic initiative is expected to transform Uganda’s healthcare landscape, enhancing access to affordable diagnostics while strengthening the country’s position as a regional leader in health manufacturing.
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