Bulamagi, Iganga District, Uganda — In a landmark achievement for public health in eastern Uganda, the Ministry of Health, in partnership with the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA), has officially commissioned 28 newly refurbished health facilities across five districts in the Busoga region. This milestone marks a transformative step toward achieving universal health coverage and improving the quality of care for millions.

The commissioning ceremony, held at Bulamagi Health Centre III, was presided over by Dr Diana Atwine, Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Health. The event brought together a diverse group of stakeholders, including representatives from WHO, KOICA, district local governments, Busoga Kingdom, civil society, academia, and the private sector, as well as community members who stand to benefit directly from the improved services.

“With the right planning, budgeting, and execution—and with support from partners like KOICA and WHO—we believe we will deliver improved services for the people of Busoga and Uganda as a whole,” said Dr Atwine. She emphasized the importance of strengthening referral systems, reducing health worker absenteeism, and enhancing community sensitization to ensure the sustainability and impact of the upgraded facilities.

The health system strengthening project, co-funded by KOICA and WHO with an investment of USD 10 million, focused on improving district leadership and governance, health workforce knowledge and skills, health facility infrastructure including refurbishments, solar lighting, water systems, cold chain and provision of medical equipment. The refurbished  health facilities in the districts of Iganga, Mayuge, Bugiri, Buyende and Kamuli now offer enhanced reproductive, maternal, newborn, child, and adolescent health (RMNCAH) services, including adolescent-friendly spaces and improved working conditions for health workers.

“By strengthening RMNCAH services—through infrastructure improvements, enhanced water systems, and capacity building—we are investing in the very foundation of public health and equity,” said Jihae Ahn, KOICA Uganda Country Director.

Uganda has made significant strides in maternal health, with maternal mortality dropping from 336 to 189 deaths per 100,000 live births over the past decade. However, challenges remain—particularly in rural regions like Busoga, where adolescent pregnancy rates exceed 25% and only 48% of health facilities meet emergency obstetric care standards.

The project aligns with WHO’s global guidance on primary health care financing, which prioritizes investment in frontline services. Early results from the Busoga initiative include increased antenatal care attendance, greater adolescent engagement, and improved motivation of health workers.

Juliet Ajambo, a mother of three from Mayuge district, shared her experience receiving care from one of the beneficiary health facilities, “The health workers treat us well, and we receive medicines at the health facility too.”

WHO continues supporting Uganda’s efforts to improve primary health care coverage, which currently stands at 64%, towards the 2030 target.

“This commissioning is not the end—it is a renewed beginning,” said Dr. Kasonde Mwinga, WHO Representative in Uganda. “A beginning where no woman dies while giving life, no child is left behind, and no adolescent is denied access to the services they need for a healthy future.”