KAMPALA — Uganda’s health sector has entered a new leadership phase following the official handover of the Ministry of Health, with renewed commitments to improve service delivery, strengthen disease control systems and accelerate ongoing health sector reforms.
The transition saw former Health Minister Dr Jane Ruth Aceng hand over leadership to the incoming Minister of Health, Dr Chris Baryomunsi, alongside new State Ministers Dr Charles Ayume and Anifa Kawooya during a ceremony held at the ministry headquarters in Kampala.
In her farewell remarks, Aceng reflected on the achievements registered during her tenure, highlighting progress in disease prevention, health promotion and the strengthening of community health systems.
“We have worked together to build a stronger health system, and I am grateful for the commitment shown by health workers and stakeholders across the country,” she said.
She noted that lessons from the COVID-19 pandemic significantly strengthened Uganda’s health infrastructure, including improvements in oxygen supply systems, intensive care units, laboratory services and emergency response capacity.
Aceng also pointed to ongoing public health challenges, particularly Ebola outbreaks, noting that Uganda had managed 19 confirmed cases with support from frontline health workers.
“Disease outbreaks remain a challenge, but our health teams have demonstrated resilience and professionalism in protecting the population,” she said.
She further acknowledged financial and technical support from government and development partners, including the United States, which has contributed to improving healthcare infrastructure and service delivery.
According to Aceng, specialised institutions such as the Uganda Cancer Institute, Uganda Heart Institute and Mulago Specialized Women and Neonatal Hospital have expanded access to advanced treatment, reducing the need for patients to seek care abroad.
Ministry Permanent Secretary Dr Diana Atwine praised Aceng’s leadership, describing her tenure as one marked by dedication and strong commitment to improving Uganda’s health system. She pledged support for the incoming leadership.
“The Ministry of Health is a large institution with many responsibilities. We are ready to work closely with the new leadership to continue improving services for Ugandans,” Atwine said.
Taking over the ministry, Dr Baryomunsi pledged to strengthen collaboration between political leaders, technical staff and development partners to improve healthcare delivery nationwide.
“Health affects every Ugandan, and our focus will be on ensuring that people receive accessible, affordable and quality healthcare services,” he said.
The new minister emphasized the need to embrace technology and digitisation to enhance efficiency, accountability and service delivery within the sector.
He also reaffirmed government commitment to strengthening surveillance and response systems as Uganda continues to manage Ebola risks.
“We are beginning our work at a time when Ebola remains a concern, but we are determined to strengthen surveillance and response systems to protect the country,” he said.
State Minister for Primary Health Care Dr Ayume pledged support for reforms aimed at strengthening the health workforce, improving medical training and enhancing service delivery at all levels of care.
Outgoing State Minister for Primary Health Care Margaret Muhanga urged the new leadership to prioritise preventive healthcare, noting that prevention remains key to reducing the national disease burden.
Health stakeholders expressed optimism that the new leadership will build on existing gains while addressing persistent challenges such as disease outbreaks, staffing gaps, healthcare financing constraints and access to quality services.
The transition marks a new chapter for Uganda’s health sector, with expectations of accelerated reforms and improved healthcare outcomes for citizens.