Health 3 September 2026 Parliament of Uganda
MPs Demand Improved Staffing for Uganda's Health Infrastructure Programme
Members of Parliament are calling for increased healthcare worker recruitment and better resource allocation to maximize the impact of the Uganda Intergovernmental Fiscal Transfers (UgIFT) program. The calls follow a report detailing the program's infrastructure achievements but highlighting persistent staffing shortages. Source: https://www.parliament.go.ug/index.php/news/4598/mps-call-better-health-service-delivery-under-ugift-programme
Lawmakers in Uganda have voiced concerns regarding the operational effectiveness of health facilities established or upgraded under the Uganda Intergovernmental Fiscal Transfers (UgIFT) program. While the Ministry of Health reported significant progress in building and upgrading Health Centre IIIs, a consistent theme among MPs is the critical need for adequate staffing to ensure these facilities can serve their intended populations.
The Minister of Health, Hon. Chris Baryomunsi, presented an update indicating that 373 Health Centre IIIs have been established, increasing sub-county access from 61% to 78%. He noted that the World Bank and the Ugandan government have collectively invested substantial funds into infrastructure development and maintenance. Furthermore, 4,628 health workers have been recruited under the program so far.
However, MPs like Hon. Anna Adeke pointed out that many newly upgraded facilities are understaffed, with nursing assistants or single midwives often handling demanding shifts. She proposed an audit to identify non-functional facilities and advocated for revised wage bill caps to allow local governments to hire necessary personnel. Hon. Kenny Auma echoed these sentiments, stating that some Health Centre IIIs are not operational due to a lack of key health officers, including nurses and clinical officers.
Further underscoring the issue, Hon. Steven Shyaka highlighted severe understaffing at Entebbe Referral Hospital, which operates with a fraction of its required staff and lacks adequate drug supplies. Concerns were also raised about electricity access in remote areas where new facilities are located, a challenge MPs hope UgIFT 2 will address.
In response, Minister Baryomunsi pledged to collaborate with legislators by visiting constituencies to conduct thorough assessments and ensure that the next phase of the UgIFT program effectively tackles these human resource and logistical challenges.
Source: Parliament of Uganda