Kyagulanyi targets costly medical tourism in health reform pledge

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National Unity Platform (NUP) presidential candidate Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu has vowed to abolish the practice of government officials seeking medical treatment abroad at taxpayers’ expense, arguing that it has entrenched neglect of Uganda’s public health system.

Campaigning in Rwamagwa, Rakai district, on December 20, 2025, Kyagulanyi said forcing leaders to use local hospitals would compel the state to prioritise investment in healthcare services for all Ugandans.

NUP supporters. (Credit: Posniano Nsimbi)

Kyagulanyi arrives for his campaign rally. (Credit: Posniano Nsimbi)

Kyagulanyi interacting with an elderly man during his campaign. (Credit: Posniano Nsimbi)

According to recent media reports, Uganda spends between shillings 360 billion and one trillion annually on “medical tourism” for government officials and their families. On average, over 5,000 officials reportedly travel to India alone each year for specialised medical care.

Leader of Opposition in parliament, National Unity Platform's (NUP) Joel Ssenyonyi who is also the Nakawa West MP, during the rally. (Credit: Ponsiano Nsimbi)

Kyagulanyi addressing supporters. (Credit: Ponsiano Nsimbi)

The pledge comes as government health spending rises to shillings 5.8 trillion this financial year, up from 2.9 trillion last year, amid shortages and theft of drugs, equipment and specialised services in public hospitals.

“In a new Uganda, ministers will seek treatment in hospitals here at home,” Kyagulanyi said, recalling that Ugandan doctors once treated former president Dr Milton Obote after an assassination attempt.

Kyagulanyi said funds currently spent on foreign treatment would instead be invested in upgrading regional referral hospitals, modernising specialised services such as cancer and heart care, and improving staffing levels and working conditions for health workers.

He added that his administration would raise health sector funding to at least 15 per cent of the national budget, in line with the Abuja Declaration, and introduce incentives to retain health workers and attract Ugandan medical professionals working abroad to return home.

“No longer will women continue to die because they cannot access safe delivery services,” Kyagulanyi said.

The NUP flag-bearer later campaigned in Kyotera district, where he linked poor healthcare to wider governance challenges, including corruption and wasteful public spending, which he said costs Uganda at least shillings 10 trillion annually.

“Uganda is not poor, but its people are poor,” Kyagulanyi told supporters.

He also reiterated pledges to reform fisheries enforcement, overhaul transport infrastructure, and promote merit-based leadership, urging citizens to participate actively in the 2026 elections.

Kyagulanyi is scheduled to continue his campaign today in Masaka and Lwengo districts.