Uganda is intensifying efforts to strengthen district-level preparedness as the country continues to face frequent public health emergencies driven by infectious disease outbreaks and climate-related disasters.
In just the first quarter of 2025, authorities recorded 10 separate health emergencies, the majority linked to infectious diseases including Ebola, Mpox, measles, anthrax and yellow fever.
At the same time, floods and landslides in several parts of the country placed additional pressure on an already stretched health system.
Health officials say the recurring pattern of emergencies has underscored the urgent need to shift from reactive crisis response to sustained preparedness at the district level.
A major pillar of this strengthened approach has been the deployment of World Health Organisation (WHO) District Health Management Teams, who are working directly with local health offices and Regional Emergency Operations Centres.
These teams provide technical support in surveillance, coordination and rapid response, enabling districts to detect outbreaks earlier and manage them more effectively.
Dr Jonathan Wanjisi, the District Health Officer for Mbale, acknowledged WHO’s continued presence during crises.
“WHO has always stood with us during difficult times when responding to public health emergencies,” Dr Wanjisi said.
“The field teams do not just respond and leave. They remain on the ground to ensure emergency interventions are integrated into our routine health systems.”
Recent Ebola cases reported in Mbale, Fort Portal, Jinja and the Kampala Metropolitan Area exposed weaknesses in early detection systems and coordination mechanisms.
These gaps prompted renewed efforts to strengthen preparedness structures at district level.
In response, WHO and district health authorities conducted strategic risk assessments in affected and high-risk areas.
These assessments identified key hazards, including recurring disease outbreaks as well as floods and landslides, and informed the revision of contingency and emergency response plans.
Officials say these measures are helping districts better anticipate and mitigate health threats before they escalate.
Simulation exercises have also been introduced as part of the preparedness strategy. These drills have tested how quickly districts can detect, report and respond to outbreaks, while identifying operational gaps such as delays in sample transportation and weaknesses in partner coordination.
Addressing these shortcomings has improved response efficiency and reduced overreliance on external emergency response teams.
A senior health official involved in the exercises said preparedness must go beyond documentation. “Preparedness is not just about having a plan on paper. It is about testing systems, identifying weaknesses and fixing them before a real emergency strikes.”
Beyond outbreak containment, WHO teams are supporting districts in strengthening infection prevention and control measures, surveillance systems, reporting structures and emergency planning frameworks.
Health authorities say the ongoing support is gradually transforming the way districts manage emergencies, moving from a reactive model to one focused on resilience and preparedness.
Future priorities include expanding risk assessments to more high-risk districts, improving logistics for emergency medical supplies and enhancing continuous training for frontline health workers.
Uganda’s evolving approach is increasingly being viewed as a practical example of how sustained, on-the-ground technical assistance can reinforce local health systems and improve resilience against recurring emergencies.
As disease outbreaks and climate-related shocks continue to threaten public health across the region, officials emphasise that long-term preparedness at district level remains the most sustainable line of defence.
