KAMPALA, May 12, 2025 – – Sector stakeholders at the recent Uganda National Dialogue on Health Financing have expressed deep concern over low investment in healthcare and called for increased accountability, domestic pharmaceutical production, and innovative financing solutions.
The dialogue, held at Speke Resort Munyonyo in Kampala, brought together representatives from government ministries and departments, Members of Parliament, civil society organisations, and the private sector. The event was presided over by the Prime Minister, Robinah Nabbanja.
Prime Minister Nabbanja reaffirmed the government’s commitment to addressing the health sector’s critical financing challenges, emphasising the need for innovative approaches amidst growing national debt.
Among the major issues discussed was the high cost of HIV treatment, which currently consumes nearly Shs 1 trillion annually to provide antiretroviral therapy for approximately 1.5 million patients. Participants warned that without sustainable funding, HIV infections in Uganda could rise to 1.6 million by 2050.
Uganda’s annual health budget stands at a modest Shs 3 trillion. Health financing experts stressed that unless this is significantly increased, the country risks falling short of its public health targets. In contrast, East and Central African countries, including Uganda, allocate less than 2.5 percent of their gross domestic product [GDP] to health, far below the World Health Organisation’s recommended 5–6 percent needed to achieve universal health coverage.
To close the funding gap, participants proposed the adoption of a “debt-to-health swap”—a model used successfully by countries like Germany, Australia, and Ethiopia during the COVID-19 pandemic. Delegates also advocated for the introduction of “sin taxes” on alcohol, tobacco, and sugary drinks, which could raise up to 3 percent of GDP for healthcare financing.
The proposed National Health Insurance Scheme was another major topic, with several speakers urging the government to subsidise premiums to ensure access for low-income communities.
The dialogue also addressed the pervasive issue of corruption, which delegates said has severely undermined health service delivery. It is estimated that at least Shs 500 million is lost annually to graft within the health sector, often involving high-ranking officials.
This is compounded by chronic absenteeism among healthcare workers, which is believed to cost the Ministry of Health up to Shs 495 billion each year. In response, participants called for stricter financial oversight, digital tracking systems, and stronger punitive measures against misuse of funds.
Another key recommendation was to strengthen Uganda’s capacity for local pharmaceutical production, with a call for the development of a national pharmaceutical strategy. Stakeholders urged the government to streamline regulation and provide incentives to promote competitive domestic drug manufacturing, particularly for expensive imported medicines.
Dr Charles Olaro, Director General of Health Services at the Ministry of Health, informed the gathering that a follow-up engagement would be organised in 2026 to assess the progress of the resolutions adopted.
These discussions and proposals come at a time when Uganda’s rising debt burden consumes nearly 50 percent of the national budget, making innovative planning, efficient financing, and regional collaboration essential for sustainable healthcare improvement.
https://thecooperator.news/health-workers-call-for-measures-to-combat-drug-resistance/
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