Winners: President Museveni, Dr Mathias Magoola and 12 Others Honoured as Uganda Health Sector Transformation Champions

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 honoured 14 outstanding personalities from both the public and private sectors.

These individuals, recognised 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.

To celebrate this initiative, over 400,000 posters will be distributed nationwide. Public Opinions is committed to disseminating information and raising public awareness about the achievements of the NRM Government. These champions have also been awarded the Responsible Investment Global Award for their exceptional contributions.

Below are the champions and their statements on NRM Government achievements in the health sector:

Rt Hon Anita Annet Among, Speaker of the Parliament of Uganda

The NRM Government, under the leadership of H.E. Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, has expanded immunisation coverage significantly, increasing it from 30% in 1986 to over 95% today. This achievement is crucial in safeguarding children against 13 preventable diseases, including polio and measles. The robust immunisation programme has drastically reduced childhood mortality rates, ensuring the health and well-being of future generations.

Rt Hon Thomas Tayebwa, Deputy 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 Government has also operationalised 24 high-capacity oxygen plants across various hospitals, improving access to vital oxygen therapy, particularly in critical care settings.

Hon Janet Kataha Museveni, First Lady and 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 established a robust local pharmaceutical production framework, increasing the availability of essential medicines and health commodities. This initiative has promoted innovation, including the development of treatments for infectious diseases, cancer, and chronic conditions, while advancing the production of generics and biologics.

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 working conditions for health workers.

The Government has also commissioned three regional blood banks in Hoima, Arua, and Soroti, ensuring a steady supply of safe blood for transfusions and strengthening emergency and surgical care.

Dr Diana Ruth Aceng, Minister of Health

The NRM Government, under the leadership of H.E. Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, has reduced the infant mortality rate to 28 per 1,000 live births in 2024, down from 122 in 1986.

The Government has also decentralised health services, empowering local governments to manage healthcare delivery more effectively and respond to community-specific needs.

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 from 45 years in 1986 to 68 years today.

Additionally, housing units for health workers have been constructed in hard-to-reach areas, particularly in the Karamoja sub-region, to attract and retain medical professionals.

Dr David Nahamya, Executive Secretary, National Drug Authority (NDA)

The NRM Government has strengthened regulatory systems to ensure access to safe, effective, and quality medicines. Achievements include reducing counterfeit drugs, improving importation controls, and upgrading laboratory facilities.

Dr Ben Mbonye, Chief Surgeon and CEO, Nakasero Hospital

The NRM Government has embraced a public-private partnership (PPP) model in healthcare. The private sector now provides approximately 60–70% of frontline health services, significantly improving access and responsiveness to patient needs.

Dr John Omagino Odiri, Executive Director, Uganda Heart Institute

Since 2007, the Uganda Heart Institute has performed over 7,000 heart operations and treats more than 20,000 patients annually. It has also pioneered advanced procedures, strengthening cardiovascular care in Uganda.

Mrs Kellen Magoola, Executive Director, Dei BioPharma Limited

The NRM Government has made significant progress in maternal health through policy reforms and increased investment, including the implementation of the RMNCAH Sharpened Plan and MPDSR committees.

Dr Orem Jackson, Executive Director, Uganda Cancer Institute (UCI)

The Uganda Cancer Institute has expanded cancer care through regional centres and advanced treatment technologies, improving access to oncology services.

Dr Rosemary Kusaba Byanyima, Executive Director, Mulago National Referral Hospital

Mulago Hospital has advanced specialised healthcare services, including preparations for liver transplants and improvements in complex surgical procedures and fertility services.