The British High Commission in Kampala hosted the Uganda–UK Health Summit, bringing together senior policymakers, health professionals, diaspora leaders, and development partners to celebrate and strengthen the enduring health partnerships between Uganda and the United Kingdom.
The event was graced by key dignitaries, including the Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Health, Dr Diana Uganda’s High Commissioner to the UK, HE Nimisha Madhvani and the VC Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Prof. Pauline Byakika. The summit featured case studies from different medical specialties, nursing, oncology, and Artificial Intelligence (AI), underscoring the tangible outcomes of joint efforts.
In her opening remarks, the British High Commissioner to Uganda H.E Lisa Chesney MBE highlighted the life-saving impact of collaborative programmes like the MRC/LSTHM+UVRI partnership and the establishment of Mildmay Hospital Uganda as joint efforts to combat HIV/AIDS in Uganda, the EMPOWER programme which aims to equip health workers to respond to maternal and neonatal emergencies, and the University of Liverpool’s work with the Infectious Diseases Institute on maternal sepsis.
She also praised the introduction of cardiac MRI technology through Barts NHS Trust and the Uganda Heart Institute, and the innovative low-pressure oxygen systems developed by FreO2 that have helped reduce neonatal deaths at Kiryandongo Hospital.
Key Focus Areas for the Summit were: Impact on Health Systems: Real stories of collaboration in clinical training, digital health, and health security, Mutual Benefit: Evidence of how both Uganda and the UK gain from joint innovation and skills exchange and Diaspora Leadership: Recognition of the vital role Ugandan health professionals in the UK and globally play in driving progress.
The event aims to inspire policymakers and partners to sustain and scale up Uganda–UK health collaborations, ensuring they continue to deliver long-lasting benefits for communities in both countries.
During her remarks, the Permanent Secretary Dr Diana Atwine said ‘Uganda is still the leader in epidemics control. We are grateful that the support we get from the UK is in line with Uganda’s strategic plan and national development plan. Our focus is now on integration – where we have one plan and one budget and we are thankful that the UK supports Uganda’s priorities. We are grateful for this summit since it strengthens ties and demonstrates mutual reciprocation. We particularly want to thank the UK for the Scale programme which aims to train a number of specialists.
She added ‘Today’s Summit will be a springboard for critical areas to be addressed including – the curriculum of different specialists, health innovations, talent registry. We also want to work with the diaspora to develop an HR policy that wards off bureaucratic processes so that more skilled workers come back to Uganda to contribute to our healthcare ambitions. We are keen to work with the UK to learn best practices and forge strategic collaborations’
Uganda’s Ambassador to the UK, HE Nimisha Madhvani praised the historical relationship between both countries said, “It’s wonderful to be here in Uganda with all of you. This should now be an annual event in Uganda. Today, demonstrates the partnership and commitment of the Government of Uganda and United Kingdom especially for medical research and medical progress for our people in Uganda.”
“This includes budget support financing. Together we have achieved capacity building – expanding training and developing health infrastructure, thereby improving health outcomes for Uganda, knowledge sharing – facilitating the exchange of expertise, innovative approaches and best practices to enrich both our systems, joint research – promoting collaborative research that advances medical science and benefits communities in both nations. I reconfirm Uganda’s commitment to working closely with the UK to advance healthcare.”
Ms. Margaret Caffrey, the Technical Director at the Global Health Partnerships (GHP) emphasized “What makes these partnerships powerful is the people behind them – Ugandan and UK health workers, patients and diaspora communities working side by side to improve care. This is collaboration at its best.”
As the summit concluded, stakeholders reaffirmed their commitment to deepening partnerships, scaling successful models, and ensuring inclusive, sustainable health impact for both nations.