Health Summit in Kampala Ends With Calls for Cross-Sector Action
Kampala, Uganda
The Uganda National Conference on Health, Human Rights and Development (UCHD 2025) concluded Friday 14th November 2025 in Kampala after three days of robust discussions aimed at advancing health equity in Uganda. The summit, hosted by the Ministry of Health and the Center for Health, Human Rights and Development (CEHURD), brought together over 350 delegates, including government officials, civil society actors, academics, private sector partners, and international organizations.
Theme and Purpose
The summit was held under the theme: “The Right to Health: Bridging Gaps Across Sectors to Achieve Equitable Health for All.” Organizers emphasized that health outcomes are shaped not only by clinical care but also by social determinants such as education, housing, clean water, nutrition, and human rights.
Dr. Charles Olaro, Director General of Health Services, highlighted the importance of cross-sector collaboration:
“The Ministry of Health contributes only about 20% to health outcomes. The rest depends on collaboration across sectors that influence daily life.”
Prime Minister Rt. Hon. Robinah Nabbanja added,
“Social determinants are not abstract ideas. They are concrete levers we must address to close health equity gaps.”
Key Outcomes & Commitments
The summit concluded with several important resolutions:
- Strengthened Multi-Sector Collaboration – Ministries including education, housing, finance, and environment pledged to integrate health considerations into policies and planning.
- CEHURD Strategic Plan Launch – The organization unveiled its 10-year plan focused on anchoring human rights in health planning and resource allocation.
- Focus on Health Equity – Delegates discussed practical interventions for maternal health, child health, non-communicable diseases, mental health, road safety, and climate-related health challenges.
- Policy Advocacy – Participants committed to embedding “health in all policies” in government planning and budgeting to ensure equitable access to healthcare.
Fatia Kiyange, Executive Director of CEHURD, emphasized:
“Health rights are not abstract. They must be part of everyday governance and reflected in national policies.”
Hon. Margaret Muhanga, State Minister for Primary Health Care, inspired delegates with a powerful statement:
“No mother should die while giving us life … no child miss school because of malaria or malnutrition … no adolescent denied information about their bodies … no one left behind.”
Why It Matters
Uganda continues to face challenges in health equity, particularly in marginalized and rural communities. While clinical care remains essential, social determinants increasingly drive disparities in health outcomes. By framing health as a human right and linking it to other sectors, the conference aimed to move the country from reactive healthcare toward preventive, community-centered strategies.
Addressing these determinants is critical for achieving Sustainable Development Goals, reducing maternal and child mortality, and tackling rising non-communicable diseases. As Dr. Olaro stressed,
“We cannot treat our way out of health inequities. Policies that address housing, education, nutrition, and the environment are just as crucial as hospitals and clinics.”
What to Watch
Following the summit, key actions and initiatives will be monitored:
Operationalization of CEHURD’s 10-year strategic plan.
Formation of working groups to focus on maternal health, non-communicable diseases, mental health, and climate-related health risks.
Integration of health equity priorities into government policies at both national and local levels.
Tracking the implementation of summit recommendations to ensure accountability and measurable outcomes.
