UNBS certifies country’s first ISO-compliant dental clinic

KAMPALA - Jubilee Dental Limited has become the first dental clinic in Uganda to receive ISO 9001:2015 Quality Management Systems certification, a milestone unveiled on February 24, 2026, at the offices of the Uganda National Bureau of Standards (UNBS) in Bweyogerere.

The certification places Jubilee Dental, which operates branches in Kololo, Ntinda and Entebbe, among a growing number of Ugandan institutions aligning their systems with internationally recognised quality standards.

Speaking at the launch, Patricia Ejalu, deputy executive director in charge of standards at UNBS, said the recognition reflects a deeper commitment to accountability and consistency in service delivery, particularly in the health sector.

“This process allows you to check yourself and be checked by others. It confirms that you are actually able to offer a good service consistently. In healthcare, we are talking about people’s lives,” Ejalu said.

She noted that Uganda now has more than 80 certified entities across various sectors, including ISO/IEC 17025 recognised laboratories and food safety management system certified companies, many of which export their products.

In the health sector, public institutions such as Mulago National Referral Hospital have also recently attained management systems certification after years of reform.

Ejalu said Jubilee Dental’s achievement is significant because it demonstrates that quality standards are not only for large hospitals or heavy industries such as oil and gas, where certification is often mandatory, but are equally critical for private health providers serving ordinary citizens.

“As far as the private sector is concerned, this is the first dental practice to attain ISO 9001 certification from UNBS. Job well done,” she said.

Dr James Magara, executive director of Jubilee Dental, described the certification as the result of a deliberate four-year effort to embed quality into every aspect of the clinic’s operations.

The Deputy Executive Director of the Uganda National Bureau of Standards (UNBS), Patricia Bageine Ejalu (3rd right), and Jubilee Dental Clinic General Manager James Magara (2nd right) during a handover ceremony held at the Bureau's head offices in Bweyogerere on February 25. (Credit: Alfred Ochwo)

“This certification is the result of disciplined work and a commitment to embed quality into our practice. Our patients deserve care that meets global standards,” Dr Magara said.

Dr James Magara said the certification is not only a milestone for Jubilee Dental but also a contribution to Uganda’s broader healthcare standards.

“For Jubilee, this certification strengthens our internal systems, improves accountability and ensures that every patient who walks into our clinics receives consistent, safe and high-quality care. For Uganda, it demonstrates that private healthcare providers can align with global standards and compete at an international level. It builds public confidence in our health sector, supports medical tourism potential, and shows that quality in healthcare is achievable when it is intentional and structured," he said.

ISO 9001:2015 requires organisations to establish documented procedures, strong infection prevention systems, structured risk management processes, continuous improvement mechanisms and regular performance monitoring.

For patients, this translates into safer, more consistent care and greater trust in service delivery.

Fiona Namusisi Bishanga, general manager for quality assurance and management consultancy, whose firm supported Jubilee through the process beginning in 2023, said the journey involved reviewing core processes, strengthening documentation, training internal auditors and preparing the clinic for certification audits.

“Today’s certification is tangible proof that Jubilee Dental’s management systems meet international standards,” she said.