The National Resistance Movement (NRM) government has reaffirmed its commitment to improving healthcare services across Uganda, highlighting significant achievements and future plans outlined in the Ministry of Health’s report on the NRM Manifesto implementation.
Key Achievements in the Health Sector
- Health Infrastructure Development
- The government has upgraded and rehabilitated multiple health facilities, including upgrading Muko HCIV to a general hospital and completing the renovation of Kabwohe and Semuto HC IVs.
- Over 976 staff housing units have been constructed to accommodate health workers, though a shortage of adequate housing remains a challenge.
- Specialized healthcare services have expanded with the construction of regional cancer centers in Arua, Gulu, Jinja, and Mbarara.
- Human Resources for Health
- 47 senior consultants and specialists were recruited in 2021/22, with more planned for the coming fiscal year.
- 99 scholarships for master’s and fellowship programs have been awarded to medical specialists.
- Salary enhancements for health workers were implemented, ensuring better retention of professionals.
- Medical and Health Supplies
- A digitized Logistics Management Information System (eLMIS) has improved drug supply accountability.
- National and regional referral hospitals now have high-capacity oxygen plants, increasing oxygen supply to 6,600 cylinders per day.
- All government medicines are now embossed to curb theft and counterfeits.
- Prevention and Control of Diseases
- Cervical cancer screening services are now available in all regional referral hospitals and many health centers.
- Immunization coverage has significantly improved, with HPV vaccine uptake reaching 157% for the first dose.
- The government has intensified campaigns against non-communicable diseases through physical fitness initiatives and public awareness programs.
- Maternal and Child Health
- 381 health center IIs have been upgraded to HC IIIs, improving maternal health services.
- Maternal mortality has dropped to 189 deaths per 100,000 live births, though still above the 2030 target of 70 per 100,000.
- Over 170 HC IVs now conduct cesarean sections, increasing safe deliveries.
- Emergency and Ambulance Services
- A national ambulance system with 14 regional call and dispatch centers is under development.
- The government has acquired 123 ambulances and 14 boat ambulances for island communities.
- The National Emergency and Trauma Center at Naguru is near completion.
Challenges and Future Plans
Despite progress, challenges persist, including inadequate funding for infrastructure upgrades, health worker recruitment, and ambulance services. To address these gaps, the government has outlined key priorities for 2025/26, including:
- Expanding the National Health Insurance Scheme.
- Strengthening digital health systems for tracking medicines and health services.
- Increasing investments in medical research and the production of local pharmaceuticals.
- Enhancing primary healthcare services at the community level.
The Ministry of Health reaffirmed its commitment to achieving universal health coverage (UHC) by 2030, ensuring that all Ugandans have access to quality healthcare services.