By Public Opinions
In a remarkable recognition of their unwavering commitment to the health sector, Dr. Diana Atwiine and President Museveni, alongside 12 other distinguished individuals, have been honored as the 2025-2026 Uganda Health Sector Transformation Champions by Public Opinions. This prestigious accolade, the Responsible Investment Global Award, underscores their immense contributions to transforming Uganda’s healthcare landscape.
The NRM Government has embraced a public-private partnership (PPP) model in healthcare, recognizing private and private-not-for-profit (PNFP) hospitals as essential partners. This collaborative approach has led to the private sector providing approximately 60–70% of front-line health services, with nearly half of Ugandans opting for private or PNFP care. In urban areas like Kampala, over 90% of healthcare services are now delivered by private providers, significantly improving access and responsiveness to patient needs
In recognition of notable achievements in Uganda’s health sector under the leadership of H.E. Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, President of the Republic of Uganda, Public Opinions has honored 14 outstanding personalities from both the public and private sectors.
These individuals, recognized as the Uganda Health Sector Transformation Champions for 2025/2026, will be inducted into the Public Opinions Journal for Certified Development Champions and Responsible Investments. Additionally, they will be featured on the Uganda Health Sector Transformation Champions Hall of Fame Poster for the same period. Below are the Uganda Health Sector Transformation Champions.
H.E Yoweri Kaguta Museveni. President of Uganda
Since 1986, President Yoweri Museveni has transformed Uganda’s health sector from a broken system into a more resilient one. His greatest achievement is the massive expansion of healthcare access, with 86% of the population now within 5km of a health facility. Museveni spearheaded the global fight against HIV/AIDS through pioneering education campaigns and expanded ARV access, significantly reducing prevalence. His administration prioritized infrastructure,constructing the specialized Mulago Women and Neonatal Hospital and upgrading hundreds of Health Centre IIs to IIIs. Furthermore, his government has improved laboratory services, disease surveillance for outbreaks like Ebola, and specialized cancer care.
H.E Jan Sadek. Ambassador/Head of Delegation of the European Union to Uganda.
The European Union in Uganda under the leadership of H.E Jan Sadek has strengthened health support in 2026, allocating €20.7 million in humanitarian aid for primary healthcare, nutrition, WASH, and protection benefiting over 2 million refugees and host communities. In June 2026, the EU committed €8.2 million for disaster preparedness and disease response, alongside €1 million specifically for Ebola response through the IRC. Through WHO and ECDC partnerships, the EU scaled up health security cooperation and deployed the EU Health Task Force. The EU-funded Borderlands Project trained 137 frontline healthcare workers in MHPSS across four districts. Additionally, EU support advances public health research at Makerere University and fuels Global Gateway investments in health infrastructure, biomedical training, and local pharmaceutical manufacturing.
Rt Hon Thomas Tayebwa Speaker of the Parliament of Uganda
The NRM Government under the leadership of H.E Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has invested heavily in health infrastructure, increasing the number of hospitals from 49 in 1986 to 78 today. This includes 54 general hospitals, 16 regional referral hospitals, and 5 national referral hospitals. Such expansion has made healthcare more accessible, ensuring that citizens can receive essential medical services closer to home.The NRM Government has operationalized 24 high-capacity oxygen plants across various hospitals. This initiative improves access to vital oxygen therapy, particularly in critical care settings. The strategic placement of these oxygen plants reduces reliance on national referral hospitals and enhances the overall quality of care for patients with respiratory issues.
Hon.Janet Kataha Museveni. First Lady, Minister of Education and Sports
The NRM Government under the leadership of H.E Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has upgraded and expanded healthcare facilities, including the construction of 445 new Health Centre IIIs and the upgrading of 34 HCIIIs to HCIVs. These improvements ensure that healthcare services are available at every administrative level, making essential medical care more accessible to rural communities.
Dr Mathias Magoola. Founder & CEO Dei BioPharma Limited
The NRM Government under the wise leadership of President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has successfully established a robust local pharmaceutical production framework, significantly increasing the availability of essential medicines and health commodities. This initiative has led to the development of advanced treatments for infectious diseases, cancer, and chronic conditions, while promoting the production of generics and biologics, ultimately enhancing healthcare access and innovation across Africa and beyond.
Hon Dr Diana Atwiine Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Health
The NRM Government under the leadership of H.E Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has constructed new maternity wards and staff housing in Health Centre IIIs, improving the working conditions for health workers. Better facilities lead to enhanced service delivery and increased motivation among healthcare providers, ultimately benefiting patients who rely on maternal and reproductive health services.The Government has commissioned three Regional Blood Banks in Hoima, Arua, and Soroti. These facilities ensure a steady supply of safe blood for transfusions, improving outcomes for patients requiring surgical interventions and emergency care. The establishment of blood banks enhances the overall capability of the healthcare system to respond to critical needs.
H.E Mikael Cleverley. The Chargé D’AFFAIRES-US Embassy Kampala
The United States of America supports Uganda Health Sector through a major $2.3 billion bilateral cooperation framework spanning 2026 to 2030, formalized under a Strategic Objective Agreement (SOAG) signed in September 2026 by Uganda’s Finance Minister Henry Musasizi and U.S. Chargé d’Affaires Mikael Cleverley. Under this initiative, the U.S. commits $1.7 billion alongside Uganda’s $600 million contribution, shifting from NGO-led aid to direct government-to-government budget support. Rolling out with a $410 million U.S. contribution in 2026 managed by a Joint Health Steering Committee (JHSC), the partnership consolidates HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, malaria, maternal and child health, and global health security into an integrated framework designed to bolster local ownership, health workforce capacity, disease surveillance, supply chains, and diagnostic tools.
Dr Charles Olaro. Director General of Health Services Ministry of Health
The NRM Government under the leadership of H.E Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has improved life expectancy at birth from 45 years in 1986 to 68 years today. This remarkable increase results from enhanced healthcare access, disease prevention initiatives, and robust health infrastructure. The rise in life expectancy reflects the government’s commitment to promoting the overall well-being of its citizens.The NRM Government has constructed housing units for health workers in hard-to-reach areas, starting with the Karamoja sub-region. This initiative aims to attract and retain healthcare professionals in remote locations, ensuring that underserved communities receive adequate medical care. Improved living conditions for health workers directly contribute to better health outcomes for residents.
Dr.David Nahamya. Executive Secretary, National Drug Authority (NDA)
The NRM Government under the Patriotic Leadership of H.E. Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has ensured access to safe, effective, and quality medicines through the National Drug Authority (NDA). Key achievements include strengthening regulatory systems to align with WHO standards, significantly reducing counterfeit drugs via strict importation controls, and enhancing veterinary medicine oversight. Furthermore, the government has upgraded laboratory facilities to improve the detection of fake medicines, demonstrating a strong commitment to public health and safety.
Dr Ben Mbonye. Chief Surgeon and CEO Nakasero Hospital
The NRM Government under the Patriotic Leadership of H.E. Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has embraced a public-private partnership (PPP) model in healthcare, recognizing private and private-not-for-profit (PNFP) hospitals as essential partners. This collaborative approach has led to the private sector providing approximately 60–70% of front-line health services, with nearly half of Ugandans opting for private or PNFP care. In urban areas like Kampala, over 90% of healthcare services are now delivered by private providers, significantly improving access and responsiveness to patient needs.
Dr John Omagino Odiri. Executive Director Uganda Heart Institute
The NRM Government under the Patriotic Leadership of H.E. Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has positioned the Uganda Heart Institute (UHI) as a national leader in cardiovascular care. Since 2007, UHI has performed over 7,000 heart operations and treated more than 20,000 patients annually. Notable milestones include conducting Uganda’s first all-national coronary artery bypass in 2018 and establishing a cutting-edge catheterization lab. With a remarkable capacity to manage 95% of adult and 85% of pediatric cases, UHI has transformed cardiac care within Uganda.
Mrs Kellen Magoola. Executive Director Dei Biopharma Limited
The NRM Government under the Patriotic Leadership of H.E. Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has achieved remarkable advancements in maternal health over the past decade. Driven by policy reforms and increased investments, Uganda has witnessed significant reductions in maternal mortality rates. The Ministry of Health has implemented the Reproductive, Maternal, Newborn, Child and Adolescent Health (RMNCAH) Sharpened Plan, including the establishment of Maternal and Perinatal Death Surveillance and Response (MPDSR) committees, addressing the challenges of rural healthcare access while improving the overall health of mothers and children.
Dr Orem Jackson. Executive Director Uganda Cancer Institute (UCI)
The NRM Government under the Patriotic Leadership of H.E. Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has made significant strides in cancer care, particularly through the Uganda Cancer Institute (UCI). In 2025, UCI decentralized care by launching regional centers in Arua and Mbarara while unveiling innovative local herbal medicines. The establishment of a Molecular Imaging and Therapy Division marked a leap in targeted cancer treatment. Additionally, a UGX 2.3 billion donation for cervical cancer screening equipment and specialized surgical camps has enhanced capacity and research in oncology.
Dr Rosemary Kusaba Byanyima-Executive Director Mulago National Referral Hospital
The NRM Government under the Patriotic Leadership of H.E. Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has achieved remarkable progress in specialized healthcare at Mulago National Referral Hospital. By late 2025, the hospital was prepared for its first-ever liver transplant and expanded its capacity for complex surgeries, including hip, knee, and spine procedures. The adoption of advanced neuro-operating microscopes in neurosurgery has improved surgical precision. Furthermore, specialized care for children with cleft lips/palates and advancements in fertility services demonstrate the government’s commitment to comprehensive healthcare.
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