New health leadership promises continuity and stronger healthcare services

11 June 2026, 11:35 am

By Byamukama Alozious

Uganda’s health sector entered a new leadership phase on Wednesday as former Health Minister Dr. Jane Ruth Aceng officially handed over office to the newly appointed Minister of Health, Dr. Chris Baryomunsi, alongside incoming ministers Dr. Charles Ayume and Hon. Anifa Kawooya.

The handover ceremony at the Ministry of Health headquarters in Kampala highlighted achievements in the health sector, ongoing challenges and commitments to strengthen healthcare delivery.

Dr. Aceng thanked ministry staff for their support during her tenure and emphasized the ministry’s focus on disease prevention, health promotion and community health systems.

She said lessons from the COVID-19 pandemic helped Uganda strengthen oxygen supply systems, intensive care units, laboratories and emergency response mechanisms.

Dr. Aceng also noted that Uganda continues to face disease outbreak threats, including Ebola.

“At the moment, we have managed 19 confirmed cases,” she said, commending health workers for their dedication during emergency responses.

She revealed that the ministry had secured significant funding, including support from the United States government and the Government of Uganda, to strengthen healthcare systems and service delivery.

The outgoing minister further highlighted progress in specialized healthcare services through institutions such as the Uganda Cancer Institute, Uganda Heart Institute and Mulago Specialized Women and Neonatal Hospital among others

Permanent Secretary Dr. Diana Atwine praised Dr. Aceng for her leadership and welcomed the new ministers.

“You know all the corners of the health headquarters. We are here to work with you because the ministry is huge,” Dr. Atwine said.

The New minister of health Dr. Baryomunsi pledged to strengthen collaboration between political leaders and technical staff to improve healthcare services across the country.

‘I come with vibe’’ he said. He added that “Health touches every person. We shall deliver accessible and satisfying quality services’’.

The new minister also emphasized digitization and technology integration within the health sector to improve efficiency and service delivery.

On Ebola, Dr. Baryomunsi assured Ugandans that the ministry remains committed to containing outbreaks.

“We are greeted by Ebola, but we shall chase it,” he said.

State Minister for Health (Primary health care) Dr. Charles Ayume said he was ready to support reforms within the health sector, particularly workforce planning and medical training.

Outgoing State Minister for Primary Health Care Hon. Margaret Muhanga urged the incoming team to strengthen primary healthcare services and preventive care.

The ceremony ended with the official transition of leadership tools as the new team assumed responsibility for Uganda’s health sector amid ongoing reforms and public health challenges.