Uganda and UK chart new course for stronger health systems
The outcomes of the second Uganda–UK Health Partnerships Summit underscore the evolution of bilateral cooperation from traditional development assistance towards long-term investment in health systems, workforce development, research, innovation and sustainable financing.
Uganda and the United Kingdom have reaffirmed their long-standing health partnership, committing to deepen collaboration in health workforce development, disease control, research, innovation and sustainable health financing as the two countries seek to build more resilient healthcare systems.
The commitment was made during the 2nd Uganda–UK Health Partnerships Summit, which brought together government officials, health professionals, researchers, development partners and private sector leaders to explore new opportunities for strengthening healthcare delivery and improving health outcomes.
Opening the summit in Kampala on Wednesday, the Minister of State for Health in charge of Primary Health Care, Dr. Charles Ayume, said the gathering reflected the two countries’ shared commitment to advancing universal health coverage through collaboration, innovation and mutual learning.
“The Uganda–UK Health Partnerships Summit reflects our shared commitment to building stronger, more resilient health systems through collaboration, innovation and mutual learning,” Dr. Ayume said.
He reaffirmed Uganda’s commitment to working closely with the United Kingdom to improve healthcare delivery while contributing to global health security.
Investing in Uganda’s Health Workforce
One of the most significant outcomes of the Uganda–UK partnership has been investment in specialist medical training.
Dr. Ayume noted that Ugandan doctors and nurses have benefited from fellowship programmes in critical care, nephrology, oncology, cardiology, obstetrics, neonatology and intensive care medicine.
The specialised training has helped strengthen Uganda’s capacity to diagnose and treat increasingly complex diseases while reducing dependence on overseas referrals.
Health experts say building specialist human resources remains one of the most important investments needed to improve healthcare quality and expand access to advanced medical services across the country.
Partnership Driving Progress Against Major Diseases
The summit highlighted the role of international partnerships in supporting Uganda’s fight against HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria.
Through support from the Global Fund and other development partners, Uganda has expanded laboratory capacity, strengthened medical supply chains and improved community health services.
Addressing delegates, the Deputy UK High Commissioner to Uganda, Tiffany Kirlew, said the partnership extends far beyond financial support.
“Our contribution extends far beyond clinical partnerships. It’s a shared commitment to solving real health challenges through collaboration, innovation, research and investment,” she said.
The collaboration has also strengthened disease surveillance, emergency preparedness and health system resilience, areas that have become increasingly important following recent global and regional disease outbreaks.
Uganda Prioritising Healthcare in National Development
Uganda’s High Commissioner to the United Kingdom and Ireland, Nimisha Madhvani, said healthcare has become one of government’s central development priorities.
She noted that the country’s leadership has continued to prioritise investments aimed at expanding healthcare access and strengthening national health systems.
Madhvani said meaningful international partnerships are built not merely through diplomatic engagements but through practical cooperation involving hospitals, healthcare workers, researchers and communities.
“What does real partnership look like? Not just conferences, but hospitals visited, professionals met, challenges and achievements seen firsthand. That’s how Uganda and the UK are building health collaboration that lasts,” she said.
Building Self-Reliance in Healthcare
Closing the summit, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Health, Dr. Diana Atwine, praised the United Kingdom for its continued support in strengthening Uganda’s health system.
She particularly acknowledged the UK’s confidence in Uganda’s ability to respond effectively to the recent Bundibugyo Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) outbreak, describing the trust as an important affirmation of the country’s growing public health capacity.
However, Dr. Atwine stressed that Uganda’s long-term objective is to build a health system capable of addressing national health challenges independently.
“Uganda is interested in partnerships that build our capacity to solve our own health challenges, rather than creating long-term dependency on external support,” she said.
Her remarks reflect a broader shift in Uganda’s health policy towards sustainable capacity building through investments in local expertise, research institutions, disease surveillance systems and modern healthcare infrastructure.
Rethinking Health Financing
The summit also examined the future of healthcare financing in Uganda.
Delivering the keynote address, Chairperson of Parliament’s Health Committee, Dr. Julius Rude Bwambale, argued that Uganda’s growing healthcare needs require a new financing model built on collaboration between government, development partners and private investors.
He noted that Uganda’s health services are delivered through the public sector, private-for-profit providers and private-not-for-profit institutions, all of which play complementary roles in expanding access to healthcare.
While development partners and faith-based organisations have made significant contributions over the years, he said neither donor funding nor public expenditure alone can sustainably finance the country’s healthcare needs.
“The sustainable solution lies in a structured partnership in which Government, development partners and private investors make defined contributions, share risks and remain accountable for agreed health outcomes,” Dr. Bwambale said.
He pledged Parliament’s commitment to strengthening the legal and regulatory framework needed to encourage greater investment in Uganda’s health sector.
Towards Stronger and More Sustainable Health Systems
The outcomes of the second Uganda–UK Health Partnerships Summit underscore the evolution of bilateral cooperation from traditional development assistance towards long-term investment in health systems, workforce development, research, innovation and sustainable financing.
As Uganda works towards achieving Universal Health Coverage and improving preparedness for future public health emergencies, stronger partnerships with governments, academia, healthcare institutions and the private sector are expected to play an increasingly important role in delivering accessible, high-quality healthcare for all citizens.
