While addressing the media in Kampala, the minister of health, Jane Ruth Acheng revealed that nine cases that had been classified as positive for Covid-19 for samples drawn on June 3 and 4 were negative. This came after a statement made by his Excellency Yoweri Kaguta Museveni that some positive samples from Makerere laboratory were actually negative.

“Errors in handling test samples is not uncommon in laboratory management. Some of the factors that can cause errors in test results include; limitation in the test itself and others are due to processing errors or errors leading to false results,” Dr Acheng said.

This lab isn’t the only one having issues with adapting to the requirements of COVID-19. An unprecedented amount of tests are having to take place in labs around the world and they are having to adapt quickly to keep up with demand.

For example, labs in the UK are having to consider looking at SciQuip’s range of equipment to see which items will help them conduct all the tests they need to while also minimizing the number of mistakes and false-positive results.

Dr Acheng also said that the errors were not on all other samples tested as this was only identified in nine samples.

“When the batch was re-tested, some of the previously confirmed positive cases which were nine in number were found to be negative and the individuals were informed accordingly,” Acheng said.

To avoid a repeat of the same scenario, the Ministry released test guidelines to be followed by all the nine laboratories mandated to test for Covid-19 in Uganda.

“We have adopted frequent quality control procedures such as increasing the number of personnel in the laboratories to match the workload. Continuous training of laboratory staff, regular calibration and maintenance of equipment. Frequent validation of re-agents in the different machines,” Acheng noted.

Relatedly, the minister also highlighted the increase of community cases that have totalled to 290 cases so far in 33 hotspot districts.

“Kyotera District is reporting the highest and most sustained transmission in comparison to the other districts,” Acheng revealed to journalists.

Makerere University Defends Itself

Makerere University on Friday, June 12 defended itself against claims that false Covid-19 results were released from it’s laboratory.

The university vice-chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe expressed shock at President Museveni’s statement that the university issued false results.

“I was hearing it for the first time. I have requested for a report from the researchers immediately,” Nawangwe said.

President Museveni, while speaking on Thursday, June 11 at statehouse during the 2020/2021 budget reading, accused Makerere of issuing fake Covid-19 results.

“Some of the 679 confirmed cases were classified as positive when they are not by a laboratory in Makerere because they were careless. Only three people were working there and I think they got tired and they did not do things properly and some samples which the ministry of health, should clarify turned out positive yet they were not. It was quickly discovered and fresh samples are done and the facts came out,” Museveni said.