Govt injects sh1.9b into Jinja medical training school block

JINJA - The Government, through the education ministry (MOES) is constructing a multi-million three-storeyed multi-purpose block at the Jinja Medical Laboratory Training School. The move is expected to enhance clinical practices.

Speaking to New Vision Online on the sidelines during higher education state minister John Chrysestom Muyingo's visit to the school on June 19, 2025, school acting principal Moses Ibwalu Ongwalu said the multi-purpose building is worth shillings 1,942,359,696 (1.94 billion).

Ibwalu elaborated that the building will house an administration block, four modern science laboratories, a computer laboratory and library.

“Once complete, the skills laboratory block will be equipped with required equipment for our clinical practice, and I am grateful for the skills laboratory,” Ibwalu said and appreciated the Government for the project.

He added that the institute had been facing challenges of space for students’ practicals practice but with the modern skills laboratory, the problem will be solved.

However, Ibwalu said that construction works were projected to take 18 months, whereas construction commenced on August 10, 2023 and was projected to end on February 10, 2025. However, due to some financial challenges, works were delayed.

He requested the Government, through the education ministry, to expedite the construction works of the project since it is behind schedule.

The State Minister of Higher Education John Chrysestom Muyingo (3rd right) and the Commissioner Health Training Hajati Dr. Safinah Museene (2nd right) inspecting the incomplete Administration/Skills Laboratory block being constructed at Jinja Medical Laboratory Training Institute on June 19th, 2025 in Jinja City. 2nd left is the acting Principal of the Institute Moses Ibwalu Ongwalu. (Credit: Donald Kiirya)

Ibwalu told Muyingo that the contractor, M/S Zionat Multipurpose International Ltd, had executed works up to and including casting of the first floor suspended slab.

Muyingo said the ministry initially released shillings 500 million for the construction of the building under the Uganda Intergovernmental Fiscal Transfer Programme (UgIFT), adding that plans are underway to release more funds for the construction works. UgIFT aims to improve the adequacy and equity of fiscal transfers and improve fiscal management of resources by Local Governments for health and education.

He commended the cleanliness of the school and encouraged students to concentrate and read hard in order to achieve success.

Background

The Jinja Medical Laboratory Training School started in 1967. It started as a training site for laboratory attendants for Jinja Regional Referral Hospital.

In 1976 training of Laboratory Assistants commenced with 15 students.

The school is government-aided and registered by the National Council for Higher Education.  

The Institute offers courses, including certificate in medical laboratory, diploma in medical laboratory technology and certificate in medical laboratory technology.