The British High Commission in Kampala hosted senior
policymakers, health professionals, diaspora leaders, and
development partners to strengthen partnerships.
The UK-Uganda Health Summit featured case studies from different
medical specialties, nursing, oncology, and Artificial
Intelligence (AI), underscoring the tangible outcomes of joint
efforts.
Key focus areas for the summit were:
- impact on health systems: real stories of collaboration in
clinical training, digital health, and health security
- mutual benefit: evidence of how both Uganda and the UK gain
from joint innovation and skills exchange
- diaspora leadership: recognition of the vital role Ugandan
health professionals in the UK and globally play in driving
progress
The event was graced by key dignitaries, including the Permanent
Secretary at the Ministry of Health, Dr Diana Atwine, Uganda's
High Commissioner to the UK, H.E Nimisha Madhvani and the Vice
Chancellor of Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Prof.
Pauline Byakika.
In her opening remarks, the British High Commissioner to Uganda
H.E Lisa Chesney MBE highlighted the life-saving impact of
collaborative programmes like the Medical Research Council (MRC),
London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine (LSHTM)and Uganda
Virus Research Institute (UVRI) partnership and the establishment
of Mildmay Hospital Uganda as joint efforts to combat HIV/AIDS in
Uganda, the EMPOWER programme which aims to equip health
workers to respond to maternal and neonatal emergencies, and
the University of Liverpool's work with the Infectious
Diseases Institute on maternal sepsis.
She also praised the introduction of cardiac MRI
technology through Barts NHS Trust and the Uganda Heart
Institute, and the innovative low-pressure oxygen systems
developed by FreO2 that have helped reduce neonatal deaths at
Kiryandongo Hospital.
The event was aimed at inspiring policymakers and partners to
sustain and scale up Uganda–UK health collaborations, ensuring
they continue to deliver long-lasting benefits for communities in
both countries.
The Permanent Secretary Dr Diana Atwine said:
Uganda is still the leader in epidemics control. We are grateful
that the support we get from the UK is in line with Uganda's
strategic plan and national development plan. Our focus is now on
integration – where we have one plan and one budget and we are
thankful that the UK supports Uganda's priorities. We are
grateful for this summit since it strengthens ties and
demonstrates mutual reciprocation. We particularly want to thank
the UK for the Scale programme which aims to train a number of
specialists.
Today's summit will be a springboard for critical areas to be
addressed including – the curriculum of different specialists,
health innovations, talent registry. We also want to work with
the diaspora to develop an HR policy that wards off bureaucratic
processes so that more skilled workers come back to Uganda to
contribute to our healthcare ambitions. We are keen to work with
the UK to learn best practices and forge strategic
collaborations.
Uganda's Ambassador to the UK, H.E Nimisha Madhvani praised the
historical relationship between both countries said:
It's wonderful to be here in Uganda with all of you. This should
now be an annual event in Uganda. Today, demonstrates the
partnership and commitment of the Government of Uganda and the UK
especially for medical research and medical progress for our
people in Uganda. This includes budget support financing.
Together we have achieved capacity building, expanding training
and developing health infrastructure, thereby improving health
outcomes for Uganda. Knowledge sharing, facilitating the exchange
of expertise, innovative approaches and best practices to enrich
both our systems. Joint research, promoting collaborative
research that advances medical science and benefits communities
in both nations. I reconfirm Uganda's commitment to working
closely with the UK to advance healthcare.
Ms. Margaret Caffrey, the Technical Director at the Global
Health Partnerships (GHP) said:
What makes these partnerships powerful is the people behind them
- Ugandan and UK health workers, patients and diaspora
communities working side by side to improve care. This is
collaboration at its best.
As the summit concluded, stakeholders reaffirmed their commitment
to deepening partnerships, scaling successful models, and
ensuring inclusive, sustainable health impact for both nations.
