Uganda Develops 10-Year Health Strategy to Boost Local Funding

Uganda is on the verge of launching a comprehensive 10-year health financing strategy designed to bolster its internal funding mechanisms and lessen its reliance on foreign donors. The Uganda Health Financing Strategy (UHFS), set to commence in 2026 and conclude in 2036, follows the expiration of the previous plan.

Ministry of Health officials have presented the draft strategy to parliamentary committees and health partners, emphasizing a pivot towards domestic resource mobilization. Key objectives include ensuring efficient use of available funds, strengthening accountability to curb leakages like corruption, and shielding vulnerable populations from crippling healthcare expenses. Officials highlighted concerns that external funding is becoming unsustainable.

The strategy also aims to address the significant economic burden of preventable diseases. It is noted that Uganda loses billions of dollars annually to such illnesses, with a considerable portion of this cost attributable to non-communicable diseases. Investing more in preventative measures, like immunisation, is projected to save lives and yield substantial economic returns, according to health planners.

Advocates are also pushing for the revival of a National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) to create a pooled fund for healthcare, ensuring more equitable access for all Ugandans. The proposed scheme aims to provide affordable healthcare services based on need, preventing individuals from selling assets to cover medical bills.

With global health financing becoming increasingly unpredictable, the emphasis on domestic resource mobilization and efficient public spending is crucial. Parliament is being urged to play a vital role not only in approving budgets but also in shaping fiscal policies that support sustainable health financing and the advancement of Uganda’s health priorities.