By Racheal N. Namuli
The Ministry of Health of Uganda, in collaboration with the Center for Health, Human Rights and Development (CEHURD), has officially launched the second Uganda National Conference on Health, Human Rights, and Development (UCHD 2025).
The three-day conference is scheduled to take place from September 3rd to 5th at Mestil Hotel, Kampala, under the theme: “The Right to Health: Bridging Gaps Across Sectors to Achieve Equitable Health for All.”
During a press briefing held at the Ministry of Health headquarters in Kampala, the Director General of Health Services emphasized the importance of a multi-sectoral approach in addressing the root causes of poor health outcomes. He noted that weaknesses in various sectors have contributed to rising patient numbers in health facilities across the country.
Fatia Kiyange, Executive Director of CEHURD, stated that the upcoming conference aims to bring together over 350 delegates from diverse sectors, including government ministries, civil society organizations, academia, the private sector, and international delegates from across Africa and beyond.
Several sectors have been highlighted for their role in public health challenges:
- Transport: Poor road conditions, especially potholes, have caused numerous accidents resulting in fatalities and permanent injuries. These, in turn, place an avoidable burden on health facilities. The Ministry of Health calls on the Ministry of Transport to play its role in improving road safety.
- Judiciary: Delays in justice have been linked to increased lawlessness, leading to violence, injuries, and death—further straining the health sector. The Ministry urges judicial reforms to reduce these indirect health impacts.
- Agriculture: The failure to regulate the import and use of hazardous agrochemicals has contributed to rising cases of diseases such as cancer. Negligence in this area continues to pose serious public health risks.
Agnes Kirabo, Executive Director of the Food Rights Alliance, revealed that Uganda spends over $15 billion annually treating illnesses linked to the consumption of harmful chemicals in food. Additionally, she noted that $254 million is spent annually on treating diseases resulting from unsafe drinking water and contaminated food. She called on the Ministry of Water and Environment to take immediate action to ensure access to clean water as the country prepares for the upcoming conference.
The conference will focus on four key thematic areas:
- Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights
- Non-Communicable and Neglected Tropical Diseases
- Communicable/Infectious Diseases
- Models and Approaches for Multi-Sectoral Collaboration in Addressing Social Determinants of Health
The Ministry of Health emphasizes that collaboration across sectors is essential for achieving equitable health for all Ugandans.
