U.S. donates USD6M worth of high-tech medical equipment to strengthen Uganda’s health system

May 14, 2025 in Science and Technology by Editor

 The United States government has donated digital medical equipment and protective gear worth over USD6 million (UGX 21.5 billion) to the Government of Uganda, in a strategic push to enhance the country’s infectious disease response and health infrastructure.

The handover, which took place at the Ministry of Health headquarters in Kampala, included 48 mobile digital X-ray machines with AI-powered TB detection, two thermal scanners for Entebbe International Airport, and over 120,000 pieces of PPE for frontline workers.

U.S. Ambassador William W. Popp and USAID Uganda Mission Director Daniele Nyirandutiye handed the equipment to health minister Dr. Jane Ruth Aceng. The package—delivered through PEPFAR and USAID—targets improved TB detection, cross-border health surveillance, and workforce protection.

“These investments are transforming how Uganda detects and manages disease outbreaks, especially TB,” Nyirandutiye said. “With nearly 100pc treatment coverage and a 92pc success rate, Uganda is now one of five countries globally to cut TB mortality by over 50pc since 2015.”

The 48 X-ray machines, valued at over USD5 million (UGX 18 billion), are expected to screen over 500,000 people across 60+ districts within a year. The thermal scanners will boost early detection capacity at Uganda’s busiest airport, while the PPE—worth overUSD950,000 (UGX 3.5 billion)—will reinforce national surveillance efforts.

Ambassador Popp said the donation reflects “a shared commitment to building resilient systems” and aligns with U.S. efforts to support health, trade, and economic stability in the region.

This contribution comes on the heels of Uganda’s successful containment of a recent Ebola outbreak and forms part of a long-term U.S.-Uganda health security partnership.