Health 30 October 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)

New Shs3.8b AI X-ray Initiative Boosts TB Screening in Uganda's Private Facilities

Uganda's Ministry of Health has rolled out 10 artificial intelligence-powered portable X-ray machines to enhance tuberculosis screening in private health facilities and bridge diagnostic gaps. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/shs3-8b-ai-x-ray-project-set-to-drive-tb-diagnosis-in-private-health-facilities-5653172

The Ugandan Ministry of Health has officially launched 10 portable, artificial intelligence-powered digital X-ray machines designed to revolutionize tuberculosis (TB) screening and diagnosis across private health facilities. The Shs3.8 billion ($1 million) initiative is supported by the United States Department of State and targets both private not-for-profit and private-for-profit health centers.

Unveiled at the Joint Medical Store (JMS) headquarters in Nsambya, Kampala, the solar-powered units were manufactured by the US-based MinXray Inc., with advanced AI software integrated by Qure.ai. Speaking during the launch, Ministry of Health Permanent Secretary Dr. Diana Atwine emphasized that the technology will significantly ease the workload on healthcare personnel and expand screening access in resource-constrained facilities. Each scan takes merely three minutes to produce diagnostic results, allowing medical teams to quickly identify suspected cases and initiate prompt treatment.

High acquisition and maintenance costs have historically hindered many private health facilities from securing modern diagnostic tools. JMS Executive Director Dr. Bildard Baguma noted that the new project addresses this gap while simultaneously building local technical capacity to maintain the infrastructure.

To guarantee long-term sustainability, the initiative utilizes a revolving fund model. Acting US Embassy Deputy Chief of Mission Jessica Healey explained that modest service fees collected from screenings will be reinvested to procure more machines. This approach promotes self-reliance by reducing continuous dependency on foreign aid. Furthermore, US authorities have announced plans to procure an additional 110 mobile X-ray units for deployment in high-priority regions under Ministry of Health guidance.