Menu
Prof. Moses Joloba with NTRL Staff
Welcome to the National Tuberculosis Reference Laboratory. The Uganda’s apex institution for TB diagnostics, training, and applied research. For over two decades, NTRL has stood at the forefront of Uganda’s TB response, providing accurate diagnostics, building laboratory capacity across East Africa, and contributing to global knowledge on tuberculosis.
As a WHO-designated Supranational Reference Laboratory, our work extends beyond Uganda’s borders – supporting national TB programmes across most of african countries, training laboratory professionals, and ensuring that quality TB diagnostics reach the people who need them most.
”Uganda’s fight against tuberculosis is a fight for every family, every community, and every future generation. At NTRL, we do not just run tests; we build the systems, the skills, and the scientific capacity that will ultimately end TB in Uganda and across our region.”
This website provides information about our services, training opportunities, research activities, quality assurance programs, and the latest news and events. We invite you to explore our work, engage with our programs, and partner with us as we continue advancing laboratory excellence in the fight against tuberculosis.
Together, we can build a healthier Uganda and a stronger Africa.
Recent Articles
Tips, News & Updates
The Uganda Supranational Reference Laboratory (SRL)/ National Tuberculosis Reference Laboratory (NTRL) was honoured to receive a distinguished team from Keio University, Japan, on 25 August 2026....
The halls of Uganda's National Tuberculosis Reference Laboratory rang with a quiet but powerful sense of accomplishment last week as the third cohort of the Regional External quality assurance( EQA)...
Uganda has made measurable progress in the fight against tuberculosis over the past decade but that progress is now at serious risk. A combination of shrinking international donor support and persi...
The National Tuberculosis Reference Laboratory (NTRL) is this week hosting laboratory managers and programme managers from 23 countries for a 5-day International External Quality Assessment (EQA) T...
Tuberculosis does not stay within city limits. It does not wait for fully equipped referral hospitals. It spreads quietly in rural communities, in fishing villages, in border towns - in places like...
In the global fight against tuberculosis, accuracy is everything. A missed diagnosis means a missed life. A delayed result means a delayed treatment. And a poorly calibrated machine means that some...
The Uganda National Tuberculosis Reference Laboratory
A supranational reference laboratory is a laboratory that provides its services beyond national borders. The purpose of such a facility would be to complement in-country deficits in capacity. As such, The supranational reference laboratory Uganda serves as referral facility for national reference laboratories. We perform diagnostics deemed technically complex or that require equipment and human resource competencies that are not present in referring Member States. Examples include drug resistance testing for TB (MDR and XDR), and the detection of parasite resistance to medicines.
Upcoming Events
Events at Uganda SRL / NTRL
There are currently no event programmes scheduled. Check back soon for updates.
New events will be announced here
Stakeholder Consultation & Final Validation Workshop for Uganda's National Essential In Vitro Diagnostics and Imaging List (NEDIL)
Ministry of Health
Uganda
Event Date
3rd – 4th September 2026
About the Workshop
The Ministry of Health, through the Uganda SRL/NTRL, convened Uganda's landmark Stakeholder Consultation and Final Validation Workshop for the country's first-ever National Essential In Vitro Diagnostics and Imaging List: A policy document that will define the minimum package of quality-assured diagnostics at every level of Uganda's health system.
The workshop presented the draft NEDIL and the evidence informing it, obtained stakeholder feedback, and undertook a detailed multidisciplinary technical review with Technical Working Group...
members resolving outstanding issues, agreeing on revisions, and endorsing a validated draft together with next steps for finalization and national implementation.
NTRL's Participation
Uganda SRL/NTRL staff participated as Technical Working Group members Contributing specialised laboratory diagnostics expertise to the review, validation, and endorsement of the draft NEDIL, ensuring TB and laboratory services are appropriately represented in Uganda's national diagnostic framework.
Date
3rd – 4th September 2026
8:30am – 5:00pm daily
8:30am – 5:00pm daily
Venue
Lake Victoria Granada Hotel, Kampala, Uganda
Organised by
Ministry of Health Uganda
Supported by
Clinton Health Access Initiative (CHAI)
Uganda's First National Essential Diagnostics List
A landmark policy milestone for Uganda's health system, defining quality diagnostics for all levels of care.
NEDIL
Laboratory Diagnostics
Imaging Services
Health Policy
TWG
CHAI
Regional EQA Capacity Building & TB Diagnostics Mentorship
Venue: NTRL, Plot 1061-1062 Butabika Road, Luzira, Kampala.
Regional EQA Capacity Building & TB Diagnostics Mentorship
Uganda NTRL, Kampala
Date: 10th – 14th, August, 2026
Participants: Laboratory managers from 20 African countries + TB Programme Managers from 7 countries.
External quality assurance( EQA) mentorship of NTRL and NTP Managers from seven (7) countries that is, Tanzania, Botswana, Malawi, kenya, Guinea Bissau, Zimbabawe and Ethiopian.
Duration: 5 Days
For enquiries: training@ntrl.or.ug | info@ntrl.or.ug | Toll Free: 0800-100-066
Our Partners
