Kampala | July 2020 — As COVID-19 cases continue to emerge across Uganda’s borders, Mutukula Port Health Laboratory (MPHL) plays a vital role in frontline testing. Established at the Uganda-Tanzania border, MPHL is the first laboratory of its kind in the country — focused exclusively on point-of-entry COVID-19 testing using GeneXpert platforms.
MedX International supports this effort by providing digital infrastructure, laboratory information systems, quality documentation, and on-site staff training to ensure accurate, fast, and safe testing operations.
Decentralized Testing at the Border
The GeneXpert machines at Mutukula process samples in under 75 minutes, helping health authorities screen truck drivers and travelers in real time. This setup reduces waiting times, prevents delays in the supply chain, and strengthens Uganda’s national COVID-19 response.
Performance data shows:
- 100% sensitivity and specificity of Xpert Xpress SARS-CoV-2 assays compared to RT-PCR results.
- Over 80% of samples are reported within the targeted turnaround time.
- The lab maintains a sample rejection rate below 1%, well within acceptable standards.
What MedX Delivers
At Mutukula, MedX provides end-to-end digital and operational support, including:
- Deployment of LabXpert LIS modules for GeneXpert data capture, result reporting, and turnaround time tracking.
- Training of technologists and data personnel in biosafety, GeneXpert workflows, and the use of digital tools.
- Support for ISO 15189-compliant QMS, including SOP development, internal audits, and performance monitoring.
- Customer feedback tools that surface and resolve logistical issues — for example, power instability which once delayed results is now mitigated through UPS backup systems.
“Mutukula shows what’s possible when digital systems, reliable diagnostics, and committed personnel come together,”
says Ernest Okot, Founder of MedX International.
“It’s not just a lab — it’s a national safeguard.”
“While assessing Mutukula Port Health Lab, we found lots of outstanding things — but the most was their LIMS called LabXpert. The LIMS has enabled the lab maintain a TAT of 1 hour and 15 minutes even on days when the testing volumes are at maximum,”
says Grace Kushemererwa, Quality Assurance, UNHLS.
Continuous Improvement in Action
The lab’s quality trajectory is steep. In just two months, MPHL improves from a 0-star baseline SLIPTA audit to a 4-star performance — a milestone that reflects disciplined implementation and capacity-building.
An inter-laboratory quality comparison with Tororo Field Lab shows 95% result agreement, affirming the accuracy of testing at Mutukula.
A Border Lab That Sets the Standard
Mutukula Port Health Laboratory is more than a pandemic response site. It is a model for future decentralized lab infrastructure — built for speed, resilience, and regional safety. The approach proves that testing doesn’t need to be centralized to be effective.
MedX is proud to be part of this national achievement — and to continue building digital solutions that enable faster, safer, and smarter healthcare access where it’s needed most.
