Medical Laboratory Students in Uganda Seek Recognition as They Elect Association Leaders

Medical laboratory students in Uganda have come together and formed an association to push their interests. They named their newly formed organization Unified Medical Laboratory Students Association – Uganda (UMLSA-U).

UMLSA carried out its first national elections for their association at the Mbarara University of Science and Technology (MUST).

Up to 15 institutions which offer Medical Laboratory courses at all levels – certificate, Diploma and Bachelor’s Degree –participated with only two (2) representatives each, making a total of 30 voters with one absent, thus 29 voters.

The institutions included MUST, Jinja Medical Laboratory Training School, University of Kisubi, Kampala International University (Western Campus), Uganda Allied Institute of Management and Sciences.

On the presidential seat, there were two candidates: Eric Kabengwa, a Medical Laboratory student from Makerere University, and Stephen Ecodu, a Medical Laboratory student from Lira Institute of Health and Management Science.

According to the final results announced by Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) chairperson Britney Nakayita Tendo, Ecodu got 23 votes, defeating Kabengwa who managed six votes.

Asumani Mubiru, a Medical student at University of Kisubi, was unopposed for the position of UMLSA vice president.

Other elected UMLSA leaders include Patience Abaho, the Education Minister; Josephine Namatovu, Secretary General; Desire Efrance Namboze, Minister for Gender and Social Affairs; Elvis Amanya, Finance Minister; and Ann Mary Neumbe Lumuli, Publicity Minister.

UMLSA President-elect Ecodu highlighted various challenges Medical laboratory students encounter both in their respective learning institutions and in the field.

Ecodu complained that their profession had continued to be underrated, with some looking at it as a supplementary profession yet it is so essential in the provision of health services.

“Through UMLSA, we are rising above our differences and we are going to advocate for equal opportunities for every medical laboratory scientist in this country,” said Ecodu.

Gad Mbeera, the chairperson UMLSA board of trustees, commended the students for their idea of starting up an association to address their challenges and make their voices heard.

Mbeera was optimistic that the association would help the students change their lives by sharing knowledge and skills acquired within their respective institutions.

The UMLSA chairperson board of trustees recalled that the plan to start the association was birthed on April 19, 2024 during celebrations to mark international Lab week held at Makerere University.

Alfred Oluk, a member of the UMLSA board of trustees, who was the chief guest at the event, urged the elected leaders to work towards the progress of the association.

“If you relax, the association will collapse. If you unite, the association will progress and achieve more,” said Oluk. “Support each other and stay united. Be accountable.”

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