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There is a need for multisectoral support towards the health sector if the country is to improve on service delivery, the health minister, Dr Ruth Aceng, has said. 

The minister noted that strategic collaborations involving weaving a network of support from various sectors would ensure a strengthened health system and impactful interventions that are sustainable. 

“While leveraging the strengths and capacities of our partners, we are able to reach new heights that continue to inspire excellence in Uganda's health sector,” she said. 

Aceng was speaking at the celebrations of Heroes in Health Awards (HIHA) on Friday (November 10), at Speke Resort Munyonyo in Kampala. 

Individuals and organisations that have made exceptional contributions to the field of health and inspired others through their selfless dedication were honored. 

Aceng said the health sector is a complex web of interconnected components, and addressing its challenges requires every government agency and private sector effort. 

This way, she noted, the health ministry would get resources, expertise, and perspectives to create comprehensive solutions that go beyond traditional healthcare provision. 

Aceng said this was evident when COVID-19, Marburg, and Ebola virus were causing havoc in the country. 

“With the intervention of the private sector and other organisations, the situation was settled,” she said. 

Aceng stated that strategic collaboration could further increase timely service delivery, and empower the foot soldiers who never rest. 

Thomas Tayebwa, the Deputy Speaker of Parliament and also the chief guest at the awards ceremony, commended the resilience of the health workers, saying they are the reason Uganda is progressing in all sectors. 

“All this fertile ground for transformation is attributed to the role of health workers. A healthy population is a productive one; your efforts have saved lives,” he said. 

Tayebwa seconded Aceng’s call that all sectors should come in and support the health ministry. 

Tayebwa said the Government has a long-standing commitment to making better changes and offering top-quality services in the health sector.  

Prof. Augustus Nuwagaba, a senior economist, said the health sector is a critical component in achieving human capital development, noting that investing in the population first is paramount. 

He said all countries that have transformed their economies have invested in the population, focusing on health and education as a strategic investment for enhancing productivity. 

“We are all aware of the adage which asserts that a healthy mind resides in a healthy body,” he said. 

Dr Diana Atwine, the health ministry permanent secretary, said while the country is doing its best to get into middle-income status, dealing with the population and the fertility rate has to be everyone’s dream. 

“Our health workers today are the real heroes; let's celebrate them. It is one of the ways of motivating them to do more work without losing focus,” she said. 

The awards 

The awards were celebrated under the theme, “Strategic multi-sectoral partnerships to transform the health and workforce.” 

During the ceremony, 20 individuals and entities were recognised in 14 categories. The awardees were given plaques in recognition. 

Among them was 35-year-old Agnes Namboozo from Bulambuli district, who was nominated as the nurse of the year. 

Namboozo, who works at Bulunganya Health Centre III, was described as a passionate nurse whose efforts are superlative. She risks her life every day to attend to pregnant women and children who reside on Mountain Elgon. She scales a risky 300-metre wooden ladder to provide medical care to the patients in the villages of the Mountain Elgon Ridge. 

Her story was nerve-wracking. Tayebwa offered her a scholarship for a degree in nursing at a university of her choice in Uganda. She was also given sh5m cash. 

The winners 

Doctor of the Year

Gladys Otto 

Lifetime Achievement Awardees 

Dr. Cyprian Opira 

Dr. Lydia Mungherera 

Dr Ruhakana Rugunda 

Professor Francis Omaswa 

Maternal and child health care

Dr. Margaret Nakakeeeto 

Midwife of the Year

Alicemari Celina 

Allied health professional worker

Matayo Yandua 

Excellence in palliative care

Prof. Silver Bahendeka 

Community health worker of the year 

East: Livingstone Kiggo 

Central: Sarah Nakyambade 

West: Agnes Twongire, 

North: Jasper Ojok 

Media excellence in health

Norbert Atukunda (NTV) 

Public facility of the year

Anaka Hospital Pakwach district 

Private facility of the year

Terrewode Women’s Community Hospital in Soroti district 

Use of ICT to improve patient care

Smart Application Uganda 

Student Innovation Award

Deogratius Delafrique