Health ministry unveils priorities to strengthen Uganda’s health sector at the Lango health assembly

8 September 2026, 8:19 pm

By Baker Okello

The Ministry of Health has unveiled its Strategic Plan II and outlined ten key priority areas aimed at addressing persistent gaps in Uganda’s health sector and advancing the country towards Universal Health Coverage.

The priorities were highlighted by Dr. Charles Akiya Oyoo, Commissioner of Health Services for Non-Communicable Diseases, while delivering opening remarks at the ongoing third Lango Health Sector Joint Review Mission, also known as the Lango Health Assembly, being held at Gracious Palace Hotel in Lira City.

According to Oyoo, the priorities were issued by the Director General of Health Services, Dr. Charles Olaro, under the Ministry of Health Strategic Plan II for the period 2025/26 to 2029/30.

The two-day meeting, hosted by Lira Regional Referral Hospital, is being held under the theme: “Succeed and Attain the Broadening Health Sector Readiness for Sustainable Growth towards the 10-Fold Growth.”

Oyoo said the priorities are intended to bring Uganda closer to Universal Health Coverage while reducing the burden of both communicable and non-communicable diseases.

The key areas include strengthening Primary Health Care, Human Resources for Health Management, Emergency Medical Services and Outbreak Preparedness, health infrastructure and equipment functionality, maternal and newborn healthcare integration, as well as combating the growing burden of non-communicable diseases.

Representing the Resident District Commissioners, Mr. Okello Odoki Rwotlonyo, the RDC of Amolatar District, called for effective implementation of the Ministry of Health Strategic Plan II to address critical gaps in emergency medical services and strengthen public health preparedness.

Meanwhile, Ogwang Peter, LC5 Chairperson of Dokolo District, who represented district chairpersons, raised concern over the severe shortage of health workers across the region.

Ogwang said health facilities are struggling to cope with increasing numbers of patients because of inadequate medical personnel, a situation he warned could compromise the quality and timely delivery of healthcare services.

The two-day engagement is expected to assess the performance of the health sector in the Lango Sub-region, identify persistent challenges and agree on practical and measurable interventions.

Discussions will also focus on reducing delays in emergency referrals, strengthening drug accountability and transparency, and improving the overall management and delivery of healthcare services across the region.

The Lango Health Assembly provides a platform for health officials and local leaders to identify critical service delivery gaps and develop practical solutions that can strengthen healthcare systems and improve patient outcomes across the sub-region.