Category: Events

29^th July 2026, Kampala – The Ministry of Health, in partnership with the British High Commission in Uganda and Global Health Partnerships, successfully hosted the 2nd Uganda–UK Health Partnerships Summit, bringing together senior government officials, health leaders, researchers, NHS trusts, diaspora health professionals and development partners from Uganda and the United Kingdom to strengthen collaboration and advance resilient health systems.

The summit focused on expanding mutually beneficial health partnerships, promoting innovation, strengthening health workforce development, advancing research and improving preparedness for future public health emergencies.

Officiating at the closing ceremony of the summit, the Minister Health Dr. Chris Baryomunsi re-affirmed Uganda’s commitment to strengthening partnerships that build institutions, develop lasting national capacity and deliver measurable improvements in healthcare.

“Uganda and the United Kingdom have enjoyed a long and productive partnership in health, and we are committed to deepening this collaboration in ways that respond to today’s evolving health challenges. We must move beyond isolated projects and build partnerships that strengthen institutions, develop lasting national capacity and deliver measurable improvements in the health and wellbeing of our people and the region.” Dr. Baryomunsi noted.

Speaking at the opening ceremony of the summit, the Minister of state for Health in charge of Primary Health Care Dr. Charles Ayume, stated that the summit as a reflection of the shared commitment between Uganda and the United Kingdom to build stronger and more resilient health systems through collaboration, innovation and mutual learning.

“The 2^nd edition of Uganda-UK Health Summit shows the sustained cordial relationship between Uganda and the UK in Health care, Ugandan doctors and nurses, have benefited from fellowships in critical care, nephrology, oncology, cardiology, obstetrics and neonatology.”

In her remarks, the UK visiting MP and chair for the UK all party Parliamentary group on Global Health and Security Hon. Dr. Beccy Cooper commended Uganda’s remarkable leadership in public health, particularly its recent response to the Ebola outbreak, noting that the United Kingdom has valuable lessons to learn from Uganda’s experience in epidemic preparedness and primary healthcare.

She reaffirmed the UK’s commitment to deepening partnerships that strengthen health systems, support research and innovation, promote workforce development and improve healthcare delivery through mutual learning and shared expertise.

In her address, the Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of Health Dr. Diana Atwine applauded the Government of the United Kingdom for its continued partnership in strengthening Uganda’s health system, particularly its confidence in Uganda’s capacity to respond to and contain public health emergencies.

Dr. Atwine emphasized that Uganda seeks partnerships that build sustainable national capacity, strengthen institutions and empower the country to independently address its health challenges, rather than creating long-term dependence on external support.

The Summit concluded with a renewed commitment by Uganda and the United Kingdom to expand strategic partnerships that strengthen health systems, foster innovation, build resilient institutions and improve health outcomes for communities in both countries. As both nations continue to deepen collaboration, the Uganda–UK Health Partnerships Summit remains a key platform for advancing shared solutions to global health challenges while promoting sustainable development through mutually beneficial partnerships.

By Jolly Twongyeirwe

3^rd July 2026, Kampala – The Ministry of Health has reiterated the importance of early sickle cell screening and diagnosis as a critical step towards reducing the burden of sickle cell disease in Uganda.

The call was made during the 5th Annual Sickle Cell Convention, held at the Makerere University School of Public Health, which brought together health experts, government officials, researchers, development partners, civil society organizations, patients, caregivers, and other stakeholders. Held under the theme, “Building Sustainable Sickle Cell Support Systems Using a Multi-Sectoral Approach,”the convention provided a platform for stakeholders to discuss strategies for strengthening prevention, diagnosis, treatment, care, research, and community support for people living with sickle cell disease.

Speaking at the convention the state Minister for Health in charge of Primary Health Care Dr. Charles Ayume said government had already started implementing the Parliament’s resolution recognizing sickle cell disease as a major non communicable disease requiring urgent public health intervention.

“Following that resolution, the Ministry of Health has begun revising the Public Health Act to formally anchor sickle cell disease within our public health legal framework and secure a dedicated national budget line” Dr. Ayume said. “Many of our regional referral hospitals, are able to manage the disease with ease. Thanks to our national experts from Mulago National Referral Hospital and Makerere University for building this capacity” he added.

In his remarks, Professor Charles Olaro, the Director General of Health Services at the Ministry of Health, underscored the importance of strengthening data systems and establishing a robust monitoring framework to guide Uganda’s sickle cell response.

“Uganda has screened more than 500,000 infants for sickle cell disease over the past five to ten years. However, with an estimated 20,000 to 25,000 babies born with the condition each year, we still have a significant screening gap. Newborn screening must become a strategic national priority to ensure every child is diagnosed early and linked to appropriate care,” said Professor Charles Olaro.

“The Ministry of Health has already included Hydroxyurea on Uganda’s Essential Medicines List, and we are finalizing a costed National Strategic Plan that will strengthen newborn screening, improve access to treatment, enhance patient follow-up, and ultimately improve the quality of life for people living with sickle cell disease,” Professor Olaro added.

Representing the Katikkiro of Buganda, Dr. Frank Ndugga, described sickle cell disease as a national public health challenge that demands a coordinated, multi-sectoral response. He emphasized that addressing the disease requires the active involvement of cultural institutions, families, schools, religious leaders, civil society organizations, and government.

“Sickle cell disease remains a national challenge that cannot be addressed by the health sector alone, with an estimated 20,000 to 25,000 babies born with sickle cell disease every year, and nearly half of them not surviving to their fifth birthday, we must strengthen awareness, early screening, and access to comprehensive care,” Ndugga added. “These statistics are not just numbers. They represent children in pain, parents under financial and emotional pressure, health workers carrying heavy caseloads and communities that need information, testing, counselling and support,” he said. 

He praised Buganda Kingdom’s contribution through the Kabaka Birthday run, whose sickle cell campaigns raised more than Shillings 200 million, enabling the purchase of over 80,000 testing kits for nationwide screening.

Mr. Isaac Okello the Executive Director for Raising Hope International Friends and President of the Sickle cell Alliance Uganda said that what began as a small stakeholder meeting five years ago

has grown into an International platform bringing together policy makers, researchers, healthcare providers and patient advocates to advance sickle cell care.

He thanked the Ministry of Health, development partners and cultural institutions for supporting national efforts to improve awareness, research and access to treatment.

As the convention ended, stakeholders agreed that strengthening partnerships across government, civil society, academia the private sector and local community remain key to improving prevention, diagnosis, treatment and care for people living with sickle cell disease. The Hon Minister of state for Health Dr. Charles Ayume awarded plagues to the outstanding performers in the Sickle Cell Care including His Highness the Kabaka of Buganda. 

By Flavia Peace Kemigisha.

1^st July 2026, Kampala –The Minister of State for Health General Duties, Hon. Anifa Bangirana, officially inaugurated the new Board of Directors of the Uganda Heart Institute (UHI) at Golden Tulip Hotel Kampala, tasking members to provide strategic leadership and strengthen governance as the Institute advances specialized cardiovascular care services across the Country. The New Board Chairperson is Dr. Magara James, other members of the Board include Dr. Rosemary Byanyima, Ms. Irene Lugayizi, Dr. Omagino O.O John(ED UHI), Dr. Charles Akiya Oyoo, Prof. Grace Ndeezi, Mr. Joseph Mutasaaga, Dr. Henry Ddungu and Ms. Rosemary Mutyabule.

Speaking during the inauguration ceremony, Hon. Anifa Bangirana congratulated the newly appointed Board members and commended the outgoing Board for its dedicated service and the strong foundation it has laid for the Institute’s continued growth. “I take this opportunity to congratulate all the newly appointed Board members. In the same vein, I commend the outgoing Board of Directors, upon whose successes the incoming Board is going to build. I also thank the Management and Staff of the Uganda Heart Institute for their continuous support to the Board,” she said.

The Minister further emphasized that, the inauguration marks the beginning of an important strategic journey for the Institute and as Ministry Health; we honor this day and event because it symbolizes the beginning of a major strategic journey for the team that we are entrusting with a very critical role of overseeing and managing cardiovascular services in the entire country.

The newly appointed Chairperson of the Board, Dr. James Magara, acknowledged the strategic role of the Uganda Heart Institute in addressing the country’s growing burden of cardiovascular diseases. He observed that cardiovascular diseases account for approximately 10 percent of all annual deaths in Uganda, with hypertension, congenital heart disease, and rheumatic heart disease continuing to pose significant public health challenges.

“The entity is of strategic importance to the health sector and, ultimately, to the nation. As the incoming Board, the task before us is clear, and it is considerable. We will honor the achievements of the outgoing Board by carrying forward the zeal they have established, guided by the UHI Vision and Mission, the UHI Act Cap 258, and the UHI Five-Year Strategic Plan (2025/26–2029/30),” Dr. Magara said.

The Executive Director of the Uganda Heart Institute, Dr. John O.O. Omagino, presented the Institute’s key milestones achievements in recent years, demonstrating significant progress in infrastructure development, human resource expansion, and specialized cardiac services.

Among the notable achievements highlighted were the commencement of civil works for the new 250-bed Uganda Heart Institute facility at Naguru, the expansion of the Institute’s workforce from 151 staff in 2021 to 330 staff in 2026, and the installation of a state-of-the-art Cardiac Catheterization Laboratory worth approximately UGX 7.8 billion in October 2024. Dr. Omagino reaffirmed Management’s commitment to support the new Board in delivering its mandate. “I pledge, on behalf of the Management team, that we shall offer our full cooperation to the incoming Board of Directors,” he concluded.

The inauguration of the new Board marks a significant milestone in strengthening the governance of the Uganda Heart Institute as it implements its new five-year strategic plan aimed at expanding access to quality cardiovascular services, improving patient outcomes, and positioning Uganda as a regional center of excellence in cardiovascular care.

By Rudigo Joseph

17th June 2026, Mbale Training Institute – Uganda’s health sector has taken the next step in its workforce reforms process as the Ministry of Health moves from policy dissemination to hands-on validation of key tools meant to guide staff training and professional development across the country.

The meeting organised through the Department of Institutional and Human Resources for Health Development (I & HRHD), with support from Seed Global Health brought together health sector stakeholders to refine frameworks that will operationalize the recently shared reforms and ensure they are translated into practical, system-wide implementation.

Stakeholders including Uganda Medical and Dental Practioners Council, Uganda Nurses and Midwifes Council, Allied Health Professionals Council, Infectious Diseases Institute (IDI), and Jhpiego Uganda, among others joined the discussions aimed at creating a more coherent approach to health workforce development and ensuring investments in training respond to actual sector needs.

Among the key documents before participants was the revised Staff Training and Professional Development Guidelines, which seek to translate the Public Service Training Policy (2026) into practical action across health institutions.

Opening the engagement on behalf of the Commissioner for Institutional and Human Resources for Health Development ( I & HRHD), Senior Health Training Officer Mr. Murami Taibu described the exercise as an important stage in a longer reform process.

“When we talk about validation, we think we are closer to the end, so your presence demonstrates a commitment to this great work that we are doing,” he said. “We think that once we do this work, it will help us strengthen capacity clearly, also improve performance and ensure continuous professional development within our institutions.”

The revised guidelines are expected to introduce greater consistency in how training priorities are identified, how learning opportunities are implemented and how outcomes are measured across institutions.

Mr. Murami said the intention is not simply to increase training opportunities, but to establish a system that is transparent, structured and responsive to the realities of service delivery.

“The development of these guidelines is, of course, a very significant step towards establishing a structured and also transparent and standardised approach to staff training and also development.“

“Of course, we intend to develop guidelines according to the training needs. We should also plan and implement the training activities, also we think about it for certification.”

Participants are also reviewing a Training Needs Assessment tool that will support implementation of the guidelines by helping institutions determine priority areas for capacity building.

The meeting further considered improvements to the Mentorship Training Curriculum and explored ways of expanding staff training and Continuous Professional Development (CPD) efforts within the private health sector.

For the Ministry, the reforms are intended to go beyond attendance at workshops and short courses, placing greater emphasis on whether professional development translates into stronger performance and improved service delivery.

“And as we do that, as the training goes on, we should monitor and evaluate the training outcomes to see whether we are achieving the objectives,” Mr. Murami said.

Calling on participants to shape the final product, he added:“So today’s validation exercise provides an opportunity for all the stakeholders to critically review these draft guidelines and then also share expert opinion. We have very many experts who are in this house, so we shall rely on your expertise and also identify the gaps.”

Once adopted, the guidelines will provide a common framework for professional development activities across the health sector, supporting competencies in clinical practice, leadership, teaching, mentorship, research and ethical conduct while advancing principles of transparency, equity and value for money.

By Priscilla Basemera

11th June 2026 – The Ministry of Health, through the Department of Institutional and Human Resource Development (I&HRD), has successfully completed the nationwide dissemination of the Staff Training and Professional Development Guidelines and Mentorship Guidelines. The dissemination was conducted in collaboration with Ministry technical departments and supported by the U.S. Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

The guidelines provide a standardized framework for planning, implementing, coordinating, and monitoring staff training, professional development, and mentorship across the health sector, while clarifying roles, responsibilities, and quality assurance mechanisms.The dissemination was conducted using a hub-and-spoke approach, with Regional Referral Hospitals (RRHs) serving as hubs and districts within their catchment areas participating as spokes. More than 500 participants attended the dissemination sessions, including Senior Executive Secretaries, District Health Officers, heads of departments and units, human resource managers, health workers among others.

Speaking during dissemination sessions at Arua and Yumbe RRHs, Dr. Alfred Driwale, Commissioner for Institutional and Human Resources for Health Development, emphasized that continuous professional development is essential for a health workforce operating in an environment characterized by emerging diseases, advancing technologies, and evolving service delivery approaches. He stressed that training investments must be guided by evidence and actual workforce needs through systematic training needs assessments to ensure improved workforce performance and better health outcomes.

Participants welcomed the guidelines and commended the Ministry’s commitment to strengthening human resource development across the health sector. In Kabale, the Acting Senior Executive Secretary, Dr. Anne Marion Namutebi, underscored the importance of equitable access to training and mentorship, noting that every health worker, regardless of where they serve, should have access to opportunities for professional growth and competency development.

Regional stakeholders expressed strong support for the guidelines and the hub-and-spoke mentorship model, highlighting its potential to strengthen skills transfer, workplace learning, and continuous professional development. All RRHs reported having functional training committees and pledged to support implementation of the guidelines within their regions.

The dissemination also identified areas requiring further attention. While RRHs reported active training committees, many districts indicated that their training committees were either non-existent or not fully functional. Strengthening these governance structures was identified as a key priority for successful implementation.

Participants also welcomed the ongoing revitalization of the Human Resource Development Institute, formerly known as the Human Resource Management Centre (HMDC), and encouraged the Ministry to continue investing in innovative and responsive in-service training programs.

The guidelines are expected to improve workforce competencies, strengthen mentorship and knowledge transfer, align training investments with service delivery priorities, enhance accountability for training resources, improve staff motivation and retention, and ultimately contribute to better quality health services and improved health outcomes.

The Ministry will incorporate feedback received during the dissemination process and commence implementation through sector-wide training needs assessments, training and certification of mentors, and strengthening of training governance structures at all levels.

The Ministry of Health remains committed to building a competent, motivated, and responsive health workforce capable of meeting the evolving health needs of the population and advancing Uganda’s journey towards Universal Health Coverage.

10th June 2026, Kampala – The Ministry of Health officially welcomes new Ministers. Dr. Chris Baryomunsi takes over as Minister of Health from Dr. Jane Ruth Aceng Ocero, following the recent Ministerial appointments by H.E. the President of the Republic of Uganda.

Speaking during the handover ceremony, the new Minister of Health, Dr. Chris Baryomunsi, identified the welfare and deployment of medical interns as one of the key issues requiring immediate attention. He emphasized the need for strategic workforce planning within the health sector, noting that the Ministry of Health will work closely with the Ministry of Education to align the training of health professionals with the country’s current and future healthcare needs.

“We need to strengthen planning for the health workforce by assessing the sector’s human resource requirements and working with the Ministry of Education to determine the number of nurses, doctors, pharmacists, laboratory personnel, and other health professionals needed over the next five years,” he said.

Dr. Baryomunsi noted that Cabinet resolved that all medical students on government sponsorship would proceed with their internships with full government support. He further revealed that cabinet directed the Ministry of Health to undertake an assessment of the financial implications of extending lunch allowances to privately sponsored medical students during their internship training.

In his conclusive remarks, Dr. Baryomunsi reaffirmed his commitment to fostering teamwork, collaboration, and inclusiveness within the Ministry. He pledged to maintain an open-door policy and work closely with all stakeholders to advance the Ministry’s vision of a healthy and productive population.

In her farewell remarks, the outgoing Minister of Health, Hon. Dr. Jane Ruth Aceng Ocero, expressed her heartfelt gratitude to H.E. the President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni for entrusting her with the responsibility of serving the nation, as Minister of Health for ten years and previously as Director General of Health Services for five years, noting that the experience had been both an honor and a privilege in advancing the health and well-being of Ugandans.

As part of her achievements as Minister of Health, Dr. Aceng noted that Uganda has significantly overhauled its health sector regulatory framework, with a heavy emphasis on health workforce development, primary health care, focusing on community health, digital transformation, medication safety, improvement on health infrastructure, and quality service provision.

In her handover report, Dr. Aceng pointed out key achievements in terms of health care service delivery;

Improving Health Infrastructure to address Primary, secondary, and tertiary care needs – At the primary health care level, the MOH upgraded 414 HCIIs to HCIIIs. “We have 2,191 sub-counties in Uganda, and currently (71%) 1,553 of these have at least a HCIII.” she noted.

On Reduction in Disease Burden – Dr. Aceng highlighted that Uganda has made significant strides to reduce the burden of communicable diseases, which for long have been the leading cause of morbidity and mortality. “We are on track towards achieving the 95:95:95 targets for HIV elimination by 2030.”

On Vaccination against Diseases, the former minister noted that Uganda has maintained the largest vaccine program on the continent, targeting 14 vaccine-preventable diseases, up from the eleven in 2022, adding that coverage for most of these vaccines is over 90%.

Outbreak Detection, Response, and Management – In her report, Dr Aceng explained that between 2021 and 2026, Uganda significantly advanced its outbreak management and emergency response, transitioning from a reactive approach to a proactive system-wide strategy. “Ebola (Sudan Strain), Uganda successfully contained two major Sudan Ebola Virus Disease outbreaks, the 2022-2023 outbreak was ended in just 69 days, and a 2025 urban outbreak was declared over in April 2025 with only 4 deaths, achieving a remarkable 83% recovery rate.”

In her report, Dr. Aceng also highlighted key recommendations;

• Implement Health Insurance: Prioritize the passage and rollout of the National Health Insurance Scheme Bill and scale the implementation of Community-based Health Insurance to reduce out-of-pocket costs and provide a sustainable domestic funding source.
• Strengthen Primary Healthcare (PHC): Focus on community- based prevention for all ailments and health challenges, including nutrition for better health, and expand Health Center III coverage from 74% to 100% by 2030.
• Implement the National Community Health Strategy, and strengthen the community health workers’ component.
• Deliberate investment in health workforce: Accelerate the recruitment, training, and retention for all cadres of health accountability
• Invest in Training and recruitment of Super specialists who are grossly lacking in number. Government must set aside funds to support this training, which should be diverse for all cadres.
• Enhance Domestic Supply Chains: Increase domestic production of essential medicines from 20% to 30% and ensure the availability of tracer commodities reaches over 90%.
• Multi-sectoral Collaboration: Address social determinants of health such as poverty, availability of clean, safe water, waste disposal, free education, and gender inequality through the Parish Development Model and other multi-disciplinary platforms to improve overall health outcomes.

In her closing remarks, Dr. Aceng urged the Ministry’s technical teams to ensure that the Ministers receive regular weekly briefings on the Ministry’s activities, programmes, and emerging issues. She emphasized that timely and comprehensive updates would enable the political leadership to make informed decisions, provide effective oversight, and respond promptly to matters affecting the health sector.

The incoming State Minister for Primary Health Care, Dr. Charles Ayume, thanked his predecessor, Hon. Margaret Muhanga, for taking the time to orient him on the responsibilities and expectations of the office. He also expressed his gratitude to H.E. the President for entrusting him with the appointment. Dr. Ayume pledged to work closely with the Ministry’s leadership, technical teams, and development partners to strengthen primary healthcare services across the country and improve access to quality healthcare for all Ugandans.

Hon. Anifa Kawooya, who retained her position as State Minister of Health in charge of General Duties, thanked her fellow Ministers for their stewardship, guidance, and patience throughout their tenure. She commended the spirit of teamwork and collaboration that has characterized the Ministry’s leadership and expressed her commitment to continue working closely with both the political and technical teams to advance the Ministry’s mandate.

The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Health, Dr. Diana Atwine, warmly welcomed the newly appointed Ministers and pledged her full support as they assume their respective roles.

Dr. Atwine also paid tribute to the outgoing Minister of Health, Dr. Jane Ruth Aceng Ocero, for her hard work, exemplary leadership, and dedication to the sector. She particularly commended the outgoing Ministers for steering the Ministry through some of its most challenging periods, such as during the time of the COVID-19 pandemic. “We want to appreciate your hard work, we know for a fact that you are a hard worker, and there is a purpose why God has chosen you for the office you were appointed to. God wants to use you to consolidate the gains of our government.” Dr. Diana mentioned.

The ceremony concluded with the Permanent Secretary, Dr. Diana Atwine, formally handing over the instruments of authority to the newly appointed Ministers, symbolizing the official transfer of responsibilities and marking the commencement of their duties at the Ministry of Health.

By Jolly Twongyeirwe

20^th May 2026, Entebbe – Makerere University College of Health Sciences and Children’s Surgical Hospital, in collaboration with the Ministry of Health, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at strengthening surgical training for Makerere University students, with a special focus on pediatric surgery for children below 18 years.

The agreement was signed at the hospital premises in Entebbe and marks a significant milestone in enhancing specialized Healthcare education and improving surgical care for children in Uganda. Both institutions aim to strengthen the skills and experience of current and future Healthcare professionals through hands-on learning, mentorship, and specialized exposure.

The Memorandum of Understanding was signed by Mr. Giacomo Menaldo, Country Director of Children’s Surgical Hospital, and Dr. Bruce Kirenga, Principal of Makerere University College of Health Sciences.

Speaking during the signing ceremony, Mr. Giacomo Menaldo welcomed the partnership and emphasized its importance in improving Healthcare delivery in the country.

“Thank you for the preparation for this Memorandum of Understanding. It will enhance more partnership in providing Health services to Ugandans,” said Mr. Menaldo.

Dr. Bruce Kirenga applauded the initiative, noting that practical training remains critical in producing competent and independent medical professionals.

“Training is key in having independent medical practitioners because it helps them do their work on their own,” he said.

The partnership is expected to provide Makerere University students with hands-on clinical exposure and advanced training opportunities in pediatric surgical care, while also contributing to strengthening Uganda’s healthcare system through improved specialized medical services for children and this agreement will target both Intern medical students and Medical professionals already in practice.

This Memorandum of Understanding is a timely intervention that will strengthen Healthcare education and improve specialized treatment services for children in Uganda. Pediatric surgical conditions remain a significant Health challenge in many parts of the country, with limited access to specialized care and trained professionals.

The agreement therefore represents a major step towards addressing these gaps while contributing to the development of a skilled Healthcare workforce capable of meeting the country’s growing healthcare needs.

The signing ceremony concluded with a renewed commitment from all parties to work together in improving child Health outcomes and strengthening Uganda’s Healthcare system through strategic partnerships and quality medical training. Officials from Makerere University College of Health Sciences and Children’s surgical hospital representatives attended the signing ceremony in Entebbe.

By Rudigo Joseph