The Call for Better Radiography Services in Uganda
Radiography professionals across Uganda have raised concerns about the need for increased government support to enhance radiography services and expand staffing in public health facilities. They emphasize the critical role that diagnostic imaging plays in ensuring accurate diagnosis and effective treatment.
During the commemoration of World Radiography Day 2025, held at Makerere University College of Food Science and Nutrition Auditorium, Micah Muhangi, President of the Society of Radiography in Uganda (SORU), highlighted the importance of diagnostic imaging in improving healthcare delivery in the country.
“We want more of our professionals—radiation safety officers, radiographers, medical imaging technologists, and sonographers. The structures are already in place up to Health Centre III, and we want to ensure these professionals are deployed to serve Ugandans effectively,” Muhangi said.
Muhangi pointed out that the shortage of qualified radiography professionals continues to limit access to quality diagnostic services, especially in rural and underserved areas. He urged the government to invest in both equipment and human resources to ensure the sustainability of imaging services.
“The machinery must be made available in all government health facilities, in addition to increasing the recruitment of radiography professionals, whose numbers are still low,” he added.
According to Muhangi, the lack of sufficient equipment and staff has forced many Ugandans to seek expensive diagnostic services in private facilities. A CT scan in a government hospital costs approximately Shs120,000, while the same service in a private facility can go as high as Shs200,000.
“We ask the government to procure modern imaging equipment and employ the right professionals to operate and maintain it, so that these machines do not break down prematurely,” he said.
In response to these concerns, Suzan Nabadda, Commissioner in charge of Laboratory and Diagnostic Services at the Ministry of Health, stated that efforts are underway to expand radiography services across all levels of healthcare delivery.
“We’ve restructured to accommodate more radiography staff and are actively advocating for more resources. We’ve catered for radiology and imaging services with radiologists stationed at national, regional, and district hospitals, and imaging technologists and radiographers placed at Health Centre III and IV levels,” Nabadda said.
She added that the Ministry of Health is committed to absorbing more radiography professionals into the public health system, but additional funding will be necessary to meet operational and equipment needs.
Meanwhile, John Charles Okiria, Chairperson of the Allied Health Professionals Council, emphasized the importance of accurate diagnosis through imaging technologies such as CT scans and X-rays. He warned against the growing threat of unqualified practitioners posing as radiographers.
“Accurate and precise diagnosis is the foundation for effective treatment. However, we are increasingly seeing unqualified individuals masquerading as professionals—using small computers to ‘detect diseases’ and prescribe treatment. Those are quacks, and they pose serious risks to public health,” Okiria said.
He urged the public to seek medical imaging services only from qualified professionals registered with the appropriate authorities to ensure safety and accuracy in diagnosis.
The event, held under the theme “Medical Imaging Professionals Partnering for a Healthier Future,” brought together radiographers, medical imaging technologists, health administrators, and policymakers to discuss the future of diagnostic imaging in Uganda.
Participants reaffirmed their commitment to advancing imaging services as a cornerstone of Uganda’s healthcare system.