Uganda's health ministry is working with neighboring East African Community nations on a proposal to purchase medical supplies together, which would allow the region to reduce costs through bulk buying. Dr. Rony Bahatungire, commissioner of Health Services, revealed the initiative on Monday, Oct. 28, 2025, during a presentation at Protea Hotel in Kampala. He addressed participants at the Uganda National NGO Forum National Dissemination Workshop 2025, where the Center for Health, Human Rights and Development shared findings from a five-year study examining how reduced donor support has affected health funding.
Bahatungire said electronic medical systems have significantly cut down on theft of supplies within the health sector. The government plans to upgrade all health centers IV into community hospitals that will offer expanded services. He confirmed that Mbale, Gulu and Mbarara will gain national referral hospital status within several years, joining the five such facilities that currently operate in Kampala: Mulago, Kawempe, Kiruddu, Butabika and Mulago Specialized Women and Neonatal hospital.
The commissioner added that health workers who lost positions following recent U.S. presidential directives are being reviewed for possible integration into Uganda's official health service system, pending additional funding approval from the finance ministry.
Bahatungire said electronic medical systems have significantly cut down on theft of supplies within the health sector. The government plans to upgrade all health centers IV into community hospitals that will offer expanded services. He confirmed that Mbale, Gulu and Mbarara will gain national referral hospital status within several years, joining the five such facilities that currently operate in Kampala: Mulago, Kawempe, Kiruddu, Butabika and Mulago Specialized Women and Neonatal hospital.
The commissioner added that health workers who lost positions following recent U.S. presidential directives are being reviewed for possible integration into Uganda's official health service system, pending additional funding approval from the finance ministry.
