KAMPALA — Rotary Uganda and the Healthy Heart Foundation have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to strengthen Uganda's response to heart disease and other non-communicable diseases through expanded screening, treatment, public awareness and post-care support.
The partnership seeks to formalise collaboration between the two organisations while mobilising resources to improve access to cardiovascular healthcare, establish additional heart care centres and equip existing facilities to provide specialised services closer to communities.
The initiative will also encourage Ugandans to know their heart health numbers—including blood pressure, blood sugar and cholesterol levels—and seek medical attention before complications develop.
Speaking during the signing ceremony, Rotary District 9213 Governor Geoffrey Martin Kitakule Kiyingi said the partnership comes at a time when cardiovascular diseases are increasingly affecting children and young people.
He noted that although Rotary has previously supported the treatment of more than 100 Ugandan children with heart conditions in India, many patients continue to face challenges accessing follow-up care after returning home.
"The MoU is intended to consolidate our efforts and work together to address these challenges. We want to communicate the plight of heart patients and ensure that more people are diagnosed early and receive the care they need," Kitakule said.
He said Rotary's long-term goal is to establish and equip heart care units in different regions of Uganda so patients can access specialised services without travelling long distances to Kampala or overseas.
Rotary District 9214 Governor Christine Kawooya Kyeyune said the partnership will strengthen screening and diagnostic services while supporting patients throughout their recovery journey.
She added that the two organisations will jointly mobilise resources to procure life-saving medical equipment for heart centres across the country.
"There is a need for more advocacy around non-communicable diseases. Detection and diagnosis are very important, and that is why this project is timely. The success of this partnership will be measured by the impact it creates in people's lives," Kyeyune said.
Healthy Heart Foundation co-founder and Rotarian Ritah Namyalo Wakkwa said the agreement will expand nationwide awareness campaigns on heart disease while increasing access to specialised cardiovascular services.
She said the foundation has already established heart centres in different parts of Uganda and plans to use the partnership to extend services to more communities.
"We want more people to know their heart health numbers and seek help early. This partnership will help us continue raising awareness about heart disease and non-communicable diseases while strengthening post-treatment support for patients and families," Namyalo said.
According to health experts, non-communicable diseases—including heart disease, stroke, diabetes, chronic respiratory illnesses and cancer—are becoming an increasing public health challenge in Uganda. Many cases are diagnosed late due to limited screening, low public awareness and inadequate access to specialised healthcare, particularly outside major urban centres.
The partners believe expanding early diagnosis, community education and regional heart care services will improve patient outcomes while reducing preventable deaths associated with cardiovascular disease.
The partnership builds on Rotary's longstanding commitment to supporting health initiatives and is expected to strengthen prevention, diagnosis, treatment and long-term management of heart conditions across Uganda.
