Kisubi Hospital has confirmed the installation of a next-generation Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) machine, making Uganda only the second country in Africa, after South Africa, to acquire such advanced medical imaging technology.
In an announcement made via their official X (formerly Twitter) account, the hospital wrote: “Yes, the rumours are true. We just shipped in a next-generation MRI, and we are the second to have it in Africa… We are doing all these things for our patients, who are our driving force.”
The new MRI machine incorporates superconducting magnets that require extremely low temperatures—close to absolute zero—to operate effectively. Kisubi Hospital has begun setting up outdoor, state-of-the-art chillers as part of the ongoing installation. These chillers are crucial for maintaining the necessary ultra-cold environment for the MRI components to function efficiently.
“This is not just an upgrade. It’s a leap forward for medical diagnostics in Uganda,” management stated. “It allows for faster, clearer, and more precise imaging, aiding in early detection of complex conditions such as tumours, brain injuries, and spinal cord disorders.”
The new MRI scanner is expected to significantly reduce the burden on Uganda’s already strained diagnostic infrastructure, especially for patients who previously had to travel abroad for high-precision imaging.
Medical professionals and health advocates have praised Kisubi Hospital for its continued investment in modern health technologies, noting that such initiatives place Uganda on a path toward more equitable and world-class healthcare.
While several African nations possess MRI machines, the availability of next-generation, high-field MRI scanners remains limited across the continent. Countries like Egypt, Nigeria, Ghana, Ethiopia, and Rwanda have made strides in acquiring MRI technology, but the density of such equipment is still low compared to global standards. For instance, West Africa, with a combined population of over 372 million, had only 84 MRI units as of 2016, with Nigeria accounting for the majority.
The introduction of advanced MRI technology in Uganda is expected to enhance diagnostic capabilities, reduce the need for patients to seek imaging services abroad, and improve overall healthcare outcomes.
Kisubi hospital has yet to announce an official launch date for the machine’s full operational use, but expectations are high that it will be commissioned soon after the installation phase is complete.