The Ministry of Finance has urged Uganda to raise more money locally for healthcare to protect essential services from disruptions in donor funding.
Mr Joseph Enyimu made the call at Speke Resort Munyonyo while representing the Permanent Secretary and Secretary to the Treasury.
He addressed the 20th Joint Annual Scientific Health Conference and the second Annual Communicable and Non-Communicable Diseases Conference 2026.
Mr Enyimu said donor support had helped Uganda fight HIV/Aids, malaria and tuberculosis. However, changes in donors’ priorities could disrupt services that depend on external funding.
He called for more domestic revenue to pay health workers, buy essential medicines and support primary healthcare.
The ministry proposed wider health insurance coverage, private investment and domestic savings to strengthen health financing. It also urged responsible borrowing, public-private partnerships and better use of public funds.
Mr Enyimu linked these reforms to Uganda’s Ten-Fold Growth Strategy, which targets a $500 billion economy by 2040. He said the country needs a healthy, skilled workforce to achieve that goal.
The strategy seeks to increase health insurance coverage from about one per cent of the population in 2021 to 48 per cent by the 2029/30 financial year.
Mr Enyimu also called for services that allow patients to receive care for several conditions during one visit. He cited the growing burden of cancer, diabetes, heart and kidney diseases.
He backed preventive care, workplace screening and taxes on tobacco and alcohol to reduce health risks and raise revenue.
The ministry identified specialised treatment, pharmaceutical manufacturing, diagnostic services, medical education and digital health as opportunities for economic growth.
Mr Enyimu said better specialised care could reduce spending on treatment abroad, retain foreign exchange and attract patients from neighbouring countries.
He highlighted investment opportunities in heart treatment, cancer care, kidney and transplant services, orthopaedics, eye care and rehabilitation.
He said such investments must meet international standards, improve access for Ugandans, support local training and ensure transparent pricing.
Mr Enyimu urged development partners to strengthen national health systems. He also asked researchers to assess treatment costs, patient outcomes and returns on health investment.
