Curing the crisis before it starts: Uganda’s pivot to preventive healthcare
In a concerted effort to reduce the country’s disease burden and improve quality of life, the Uganda Healthcare Federation (UHF), in partnership with the Ministry of Health and Copious, has launched the inaugural Expo and Symposium on Family Health.
Health experts religious development partners and officials from NGO pose for a group photo during the launch of the family health Expo and Symposium at Imperial Royal Hotel on Thursday, June 5 2025. ( Photos by Agnes Kyotalengerire)
By Agnes Kyotalengerire
Journalists @New Vision
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Uganda’s healthcare system continues to grapple with persistent challenges: high rates of morbidity and mortality driven by preventable diseases, limited access to quality services, and a widespread lack of health education.
Yet, amid these pressing issues, a renewed focus on preventive and primary healthcare is emerging as a beacon of hope.
In a concerted effort to reduce the country’s disease burden and improve quality of life, the Uganda Healthcare Federation (UHF), in partnership with the Ministry of Health and Copious, has launched the inaugural Expo and Symposium on Family Health.
The launch, held at the Imperial Royal Hotel in Kampala on Thursday, 5 June 2025, brought together stakeholders across the health sector to champion Uganda’s shift from curative to preventive healthcare strategies.
Grace Ssali Kiwanuka, Executive Director of the Uganda Healthcare Federation, emphasised the symposium’s practical focus.
“The symposium will explore practical solutions aimed at reducing disease burden, improving access to affordable healthcare, and enhancing the overall health system in line with Uganda’s commitment to preventive versus curative care priorities,” she said.
She underscored the vital role of the private sector in this paradigm shift.
“The shift towards preventive treatment has become increasingly vital and the private sector plays a crucial role in driving these efforts.”
Set to take place from 1 to 3 August 2025 at the UMA Show Grounds in Kampala, the symposium is poised to be one of the most significant events on Uganda’s health sector calendar this year. Organisers promise a transformative agenda that aligns with the country’s broader Universal Health Coverage (UHC) goals.
Participants during the launch of the Family Health Expo and Symposium at Imperial Royal Hotel in Thursday, June 5 2025.
Universal Health Coverage refers to a healthcare system where all residents are assured access to the health services they need, without suffering financial hardship.
The Expo and Symposium will convene a diverse group of stakeholders including policymakers, development partners, healthcare providers, civil society organisations, non-governmental organisations (NGOs), and academic institutions.
The goal: to foster collaborative partnerships that strengthen Uganda’s healthcare delivery through knowledge-sharing, innovation, and strategic alignment—with a strong emphasis on preventive health.
Dr Timothy Musila, Assistant Commissioner for Health Services – Private Sector Coordination at the Ministry of Health, pointed out that many of the illnesses treated in hospitals could be avoided altogether.
“Often people end up in hospitals or health centres for treatment that they could have avoided,” he said.
Dr Musila also highlighted a major economic implication of the current system.
“Out-of-pocket expenditure on healthcare is the biggest single cause of household impoverishment in this country. Families dispose of assets in order to care for someone who is ill. Consequently, they are left in poverty when that person is actually not even cured.”
He called for a renewed national focus on staying healthy through preventive means.
Apostle Dr Joseph Serwadda welcomed the event as a timely intervention.
“The Expo and Symposium is timely considering that there are several diseases emerging,” he said.
He urged members of the public to attend the event and learn more about disease prevention.
As Uganda continues to build momentum toward universal access to healthcare, the upcoming symposium offers a timely and strategic opportunity to rethink how health is delivered—and more importantly, how it is preserved.