Uganda

Q: Domestic resource mobilization

The Ministry of Health established the Programme for the Prevention and Control of NCDs in 2006 to coordinate national efforts and ensure dedicated budget attention for NCD prevention and care. Key policy milestones include the National Tobacco Control Act, with the inauguration of the second National Tobacco Control Committee in 2025 signaling renewed commitment to its enforcement. The NTCC is responsible for monitoring implementation, mobilizing resources, and ensuring compliance with laws banning tobacco advertising, promotion, and sponsorship.The Parliamentary Forum on Non-Communicable Diseases, formed in 2011, has been a key driver of influencing budget allocation for NCDs. The Forum has successfully advocated for health taxes on tobacco, alcohol, and sugar-sweetened beverages, contributing to increased domestic revenue and highlighting the importance of fiscal measures in addressing NCDs.

Q: Pooling

Uganda has introduced district-level pooling mechanisms where community members contribute small amounts—around one US dollar per person annually—to finance NCD services. This mechanism not only expands financial protection but also help to foster a sense of ownership at the local level.

With a population of just over 45 million in 2024, Uganda is one of the world’s youngest nations—half its people are under 18. Life expectancy has risen from just 39 years in 1950 to 64 years in 2021, reflecting decades of steady improvement in public health and access to care.

Today, Uganda faces a growing burden of noncommunicable diseases (NCDs)—accounting for an estimated 36% of deaths in 2019. With the National Health Insurance Scheme still awaiting implementation, Uganda’s health system continues to rely heavily on out-of-pocket payments and voluntary contributions.

Despite these financing constraints, Uganda’s response demonstrates strong political advocacy, local innovation, and emerging models of community participation—laying the groundwork for a more sustainable health system that can respond effectively to the changing needs and health priorities of the country.

Download Uganda NCD Financing Landscape poster

The Cost of NCDs in Uganda

The Ugandan Parliamentary Forum on Non-Communicable Diseases has successfully driven health financing reforms through taxes on tobacco, alcohol, and sugary drinks.

Health financing for NCDs: Progress in Uganda

Uganda has made notable progress in strengthening its NCD response through policy reform, advocacy, and innovative financing approaches. These efforts reflect a growing alignment between national leadership and community engagement. However, the country continues to face challenges, including limited budget allocations for NCDs, heavy reliance on out-of-pocket spending, and gaps in up-to-date data to guide investment and track progress.

The Ministry of Health established the Programme for the Prevention and Control of NCDs in 2006 to coordinate national efforts and ensure dedicated budget attention for NCD prevention and care. Key policy milestones include the National Tobacco Control Act, with the inauguration of the second National Tobacco Control Committee in 2025 signaling renewed commitment to its enforcement. The NTCC is responsible for monitoring implementation, mobilizing resources, and ensuring compliance with laws banning tobacco advertising, promotion, and sponsorship.

The Parliamentary Forum on Non-Communicable Diseases, formed in 2011, has been a key driver of influencing budget allocation for NCDs. The Forum has successfully advocated for health taxes on tobacco, alcohol, and sugar-sweetened beverages, contributing to increased domestic revenue and highlighting the importance of fiscal measures in addressing NCDs.

Uganda has introduced district-level pooling mechanisms where community members contribute small amounts—around one US dollar per person annually—to finance NCD services. This mechanism not only expands financial protection but also help to foster a sense of ownership at the local level.

Uganda is beginning to scale results-based financing at a national level to improve the efficiency of health and NCD service purchasing, enhance quality, and promote more equitable access by linking funds directly to performance outcomes.

Our focus in Uganda

Mobilizing and aligning domestic and external resources for NCD prevention, treatment, and care, including the establishment of a National Health Insurance Scheme
Building leadership and management capacity for NCDs within the Ministry of Health, Civil Society Organizations, and Patient Support groups.
Financing human resource capacity development for health workers working on NCD prevention and care.
Exploring trust funds and other “innovative” health financing mechanisms and health insurance models.
Improving local data systems

Country Core Group members

Designated Country Core Groups bring together key country-level stakeholders responsible for policymaking, program design and implementation, evidence generation, and systems-level change.

Frank Mugabe Rwabinumi, Principal Medical Officer, NCD Department, Ministry of Health
William Lumu, President, Uganda Diabetes Association
Stella Maris Ddumba Sewagaba, CEO, Ssubi Diabetic Support Center
Ali Twinomujuni, Program Manager, City Health Group
Susan Nakireka, Consultant Physician, Mengo Hospital and President Elect, East Africa NCD Alliance
Christopher Kwizera, Program Manager, NCD Alliance Uganda
Dr. Denis Kaija, Acting Executive Director, City Health Group
Dr. James Ocakacon, Senior Medical Officer, Department of NCDs, Ministry of Health