Opinion: Uganda’s Health Gains Must Be Protected Beyond 2026

By Lukanga Samuel

Over the past few years, Uganda’s health sector has undergone a quiet revolution one that is transforming both access and quality of care across the country. From newly built hospitals and health centres, to improved funding, expanded ambulance services, and wider outreach in rural areas, the country’s health journey is clearly on an upward trajectory. These gains must not only be protected, but accelerated beyond 2026.

Discussions about Uganda’s future must acknowledge the significant progress already made, especially in a sector as vital as public health. For decades, our health infrastructure struggled to keep pace with population growth and rising demand. But recent years have seen deliberate efforts to bridge those gaps—through sustained investment, planning, and policy reforms.

One of the most visible successes is the construction and upgrading of health facilities across Uganda. From Health Centre IIIs and IVs to district and regional referral hospitals, previously underserved regions now boast fully operational facilities. For the first time, many rural communities can access maternal care, surgical services, and diagnostics without travelling long distances.

But these are not mere buildings—they are functioning institutions. With new medical staff recruited, equipment supplied, and essential medicines available, the system is finally beginning to serve its people as intended. This momentum must continue if Uganda is to achieve universal health coverage.

Increased funding has been the engine behind these achievements. The government’s consistent allocation of resources to health infrastructure, supplies, and human resource development reflects a clear commitment to national well-being. By strengthening domestic financing and reducing dependency on donors, Uganda is laying the groundwork for a sustainable health system—driven by its own priorities.

Still, these advances remain fragile. Any funding cuts or policy reversals after 2026 could undo years of progress. Health must remain a top national priority, insulated from political cycles. Ugandans should demand that every future leader pledges to preserve and expand what has been achieved.

Among the most transformative innovations has been the rollout of ambulances to every constituency. For rural communities that once relied on boda-bodas or improvised transport in emergencies, this has been a game changer. Lives are being saved daily—mothers reaching hospitals for safe deliveries, accident victims receiving prompt care, and critically ill patients transferred without delay. The challenge now lies in maintenance, fueling, and coordination, all of which are solvable with continued political will.

Beyond infrastructure, reforms in health systems management are taking root. Digitization of patient records, streamlined drug supply chains, and mobile health innovations are helping improve accountability and efficiency. Uganda’s COVID-19 response proved that with coordination and investment, the health system can effectively rise to national challenges. That same readiness is now being directed toward persistent threats like malaria, HIV/AIDS, and emerging non-communicable diseases.

Of course, challenges persist—occasional drug stockouts, staffing gaps, and out-of-pocket costs still strain many families. But Uganda now has a strong foundation upon which to build. The focus should be on consolidation, not complacency.

As we look beyond 2026, the question every Ugandan must ask is simple: what will we do to protect and advance these health gains? The progress made so far is not just reflected in statistics, but in every mother saved, every patient treated, and every child given a second chance at life.

Uganda has come too far to turn back. The task now is to move forward—with greater ambition, accountability, and compassion.

The writer is a social development enthusiast and an Ambassador of Humanity.