The National Resistance Movement (NRM) has defended its record in the health sector, saying it is one of the areas where Uganda has registered significant progress under the party’s leadership.
Speaking at a joint press conference at the NRM party secretariat, the minister of Health, Dr Jane Ruth Aceng, said government has made heavy investments in health infrastructure and specialised care, leading to improved service delivery across the country.
Dr Aceng cited the revamping of Mulago Hospital into a specialised facility, as well as continued support to institutions such as the Uganda Cancer Institute, Butabika National Mental Referral Hospital, and the Uganda Heart Institute, among others.
She also pointed to the expansion in the number of national referral hospitals, saying the move has reduced pressure on Mulago and improved access to specialised services in different regions.
“As a result of these investments, Uganda’s health indicators have steadily improved,” Dr Aceng said.
According to the minister, life expectancy has risen from about 45 years three decades ago to over 65 years, which she attributed to better healthcare services, disease control, and improved living conditions.
Dr Aceng added that treatment for HIV and tuberculosis (TB) has significantly improved, with coverage rising from about 20 per cent to nearly 90 per cent, describing this as a major milestone in the fight against infectious diseases.
Meanwhile, the NRM Deputy Secretary General, Rose Namayanja, said the party and government are committed to improving relations with the Buganda Kingdom.
Responding to journalists’ questions about the current state of relations between the central government and Buganda, Namayanja said the NRM values dialogue and peaceful coexistence with cultural institutions.
She also sought to reassure the public over concerns of land grabbing, saying the Land Act has helped to address land conflicts and protect lawful occupants.
“The government remains committed to strengthening laws and institutions to reduce land-related disputes,” Namayanja said.
