Musiime Michael Koima

𝐔𝐆𝐀𝐍𝐃𝐀 𝐂𝐀𝐋𝐋𝐒 𝐅𝐎𝐑 𝐈𝐍𝐓𝐄𝐆𝐑𝐀𝐓𝐄𝐃 𝐀𝐏𝐏𝐑𝐎𝐀𝐂𝐇 𝐓𝐎 𝐓𝐀𝐂𝐊𝐋𝐄 𝐂𝐎𝐌𝐌𝐔𝐍𝐈𝐂𝐀𝐁𝐋𝐄 𝐀𝐍𝐃 𝐍𝐎𝐍-𝐂𝐎𝐌𝐌𝐔𝐍𝐈𝐂𝐀𝐁𝐋𝐄 𝐃𝐈𝐒𝐄𝐀𝐒𝐄𝐒 The Minister of Health, Hon. Dr Chris Baryomunsi, has called for a coordinated national response to communicable and non-communicable diseases, warning that Uganda faces a double burden of infectious diseases and rising conditions such as cancer, diabetes, hypertension and heart disease. Speaking as Chief Guest at the 20th Joint Annual Scientific Health Conference and 2nd Annual Communicable and Non-Communicable Diseases Conference 2026 at Speke Resort Munyonyo, he urged researchers, health professionals, universities and government institutions to turn scientific evidence into practical policies and interventions that save lives. Dr Baryomunsi highlighted seven priority areas: expanding immunisation and disease screening; integrating healthcare services; strengthening community health workers and primary healthcare; improving regional cooperation against epidemics; investing in reliable health data and research; increasing sustainable health financing; and addressing wider factors that influence health, including education, transport, nutrition and living conditions. He raised concern over declining completion of childhood immunisation, noting that while more than 90% of children receive the first vaccine dose, only about 64% receive the second. He called for stronger public education and follow-up to ensure children complete their immunisation schedules. The Minister also emphasised early detection of hypertension, diabetes, cancer and other conditions, warning that many people only discover serious illnesses after complications arise. He called for reliable medicine supplies, stronger local pharmaceutical production and integrated services that address multiple conditions. On epidemic preparedness, Dr Baryomunsi stressed that diseases do not respect national borders and called for closer cooperation with neighbouring countries, including the Democratic Republic of Congo, Kenya and South Sudan. He also highlighted the importance of sharing responsibility, information and resources to strengthen regional preparedness and response. On health financing, he noted that Uganda’s health budget remains below the 15% allocation target set under the 2001 Abuja Declaration. He called for increased domestic investment and progress towards a national health insurance scheme that can improve access to care and reduce the burden of out-of-pocket medical expenses on households. He further urged development partners to align their support with national priorities through coordinated planning, budgeting and monitoring, while calling on all sectors to recognise their role in improving public health. Dr Baryomunsi said a healthy population is essential for national development and called on conference participants to use research and collaboration to identify effective interventions, strengthen health services and improve the well-being of Ugandans. #OpenGovUg