Building Accreditation Capacity in Uganda: KENAS Conducts Intensive Technical Assessor Training on ISO/IEC 17025:2017 and ISO 15189:2022
In a significant step towards strengthening Uganda’s accreditation landscape, the Kenya Accreditation Service (KENAS) conducted intensive technical assessor training sessions on ISO/IEC 17025:2017 and ISO 15189:2022 standards for technical officers from various Conformity Assessment Bodies (CABs) across Uganda. The trainings aim to build the Uganda National Accreditation Service (UGANAS) capacity and support its growth into a fully-fledged accreditation body.
The training sessions were designed to equip participants with the knowledge and practical skills needed to implement and assess compliance with international accreditation standards and fostering a culture of quality and excellence within Uganda’s laboratory and testing sectors.
Empowering Technical Assessors Through Expert-Led Training
The ISO 15189:2022 Technical Assessor Training attracted 24 participants from government and private sector medical laboratories, while the ISO/IEC 17025:2017 Technical Assessor Training engaged 26 participants from government and private testing & calibration laboratories. The sessions, held at the National Health Laboratory and Diagnostic Services (NHLDS) Training Center in Kampala, were facilitated by a team of expert trainers from KENAS:
- ISO 15189:2022 Training: Mr. Robert Njuguna and Ms. Doris Mueni
- ISO/IEC 17025:2017 Training: Mr. Stanslaus Alwyn Masinza and Ms. Felista Nyakoe
These seasoned trainers brought invaluable insights and practical knowledge, guiding participants through the intricacies of accreditation requirements, assessment techniques, and best practices for sustaining high-quality laboratory services.
Leadership Support and Opening Remarks
The training was officially opened by Mr. Patrick Ogwok, representing Dr. Susan Nabadda, Commissioner for National Health Laboratory and Diagnostic Services (NHLDS). In attendance were Mr. Richard Musafiri, Director of UGANAS, and Mr. Michael Talam, representing Dr. Walter Juma Ongeti, CEO of KENAS. Their remarks emphasized the critical role of accreditation in enhancing the reliability of laboratory results, facilitating international trade, and strengthening public health systems.
A Vision for a Stronger Accreditation Landscape
This initiative is part of a broader technical and capacity-building program supported by The Global Fund, with KENAS serving as the twinning accreditation body. The program is dedicated to empowering UGANAS to deliver world-class accreditation services, laying a solid foundation for the organization to become a key player in Uganda’s quality infrastructure.
By investing in the development of competent technical assessors, KENAS and UGANAS are fostering a robust accreditation ecosystem that ensures medical, testing and calibration laboratories operate at the highest international standards. This, in turn, will boost consumer confidence, support regulatory compliance, and enhance Uganda’s global competitiveness.
Looking Ahead
The successful completion of this training highlights the ongoing collaboration between KENAS and UGANAS, with future programs planned to further strengthen technical capacity and support the accreditation process. As Uganda progresses on its accreditation journey, the partnership with KENAS promises to be a cornerstone of growth, helping to build a sustainable, high-performing accreditation body that contributes to the nation’s development agenda.
