New Bill Aims to Standardize Health Facility Registration in Uganda

Uganda is set to introduce the Quality Health Care and Patient Safety Bill, 2026, a legislative initiative designed to overhaul the current system for registering and regulating health facilities. Bukuya County Member of Parliament, Hon. Dr. Michael Bukenya, has received parliamentary approval to present the bill, which aims to establish clear, consistent mechanisms for ensuring quality and patient safety.

Dr. Bukenya highlighted that while existing laws address public health and professional conduct, the oversight of health facilities remains fragmented. Different acts govern various health professions and their respective facilities, leading to a disjointed approach to registration, licensing, inspection, and enforcement. This lack of a central, overarching regulatory body has prevented the consistent application of uniform standards for quality care and patient safety.

The proposed bill seeks to create a single, independent body, the Quality Health Care and Patient Safety Authority, to oversee all health facilities, regardless of whether they are public, private not-for-profit, or private for-profit. This authority will be responsible for registering, licensing, accrediting, and inspecting facilities, as well as maintaining a national register.

Furthermore, the bill intends to define minimum standards for healthcare quality and patient safety, covering aspects such as staffing and medical equipment. It also proposes a risk-based inspection schedule and the establishment of an independent mechanism for patients to lodge and resolve complaints, offering a much-needed avenue for redress.

Hon. Beatrice Rwakimari, who seconded the motion, emphasized that healthcare quality and safety are fundamental to protecting human life and dignity, going beyond mere professional or administrative concerns.

Source: https://www.parliament.go.ug/news/4660/law-regulate-registration-health-facilities-offing