Advocacy for Community Based Health Insurance guidelines for Uganda.
Since 2016, Save for Health Uganda (SHU) has consistently led the national dialogue on equitable healthcare financing by organizing the Annual National Community Health Financing (CHF) Conferences. These gatherings are designed to raise awareness about Community Health Financing and push for policy reforms that ensure vulnerable families in Uganda can access quality healthcare without financial hardship. SHU continues to play a pivotal role in championing inclusive, community-led health financing initiatives that align with national health goals and the global push for Universal Health Coverage.
As part of ongoing advocacy efforts, SHU held a high-level meeting with officials from the Ministry of Health (MoH) on Wednesday, 21st August 2024 at the Ministry headquarters in Kampala. Hosted by Hon. Margaret Muhanga Mugisa, the State Minister for Primary Health Care, and Dr. Henry Mwebesa, the Director General of Health Services, the meeting focused on two strategic objectives: advocating for the development of national guidelines on Community-Based Health Insurance (CBHI) and introducing the newly developed Luwero District Community Health Financing (CHF) scheme to seek technical and financial support from MoH. This initiative marks a bold step toward institutionalizing community-driven health financing as part of Uganda’s health policy framework.
The meeting was attended by key actors including SHU’s Board Chairperson Dr. Leticia Nakimuli, Executive Director Mr. Makaire Fredrick, Programs Manager Ms. Juliet Nazibanja, Resource Mobilization Officer Mr. Friday Moses, and Luwero District Health Officer Dr. Innocent Nkonwa. Notably, the Minister and Director General welcomed SHU’s proposals, with the Director General tasking SHU to draft national CHI guidelines for submission and review at the MoH. Additionally, the MoH appointed Mr. Walimbwa Aliyi to represent the Ministry on the Luwero District CHF Steering Committee, reinforcing the government’s endorsement and willingness to partner on community health financing innovations.
These outcomes reflect a growing momentum and shared vision for scaling sustainable health financing solutions in Uganda. SHU will now lead the development of the draft CHI guidelines and submit them for high-level review, while MoH facilitates formal representation through Mr. Walimbwa. SHU welcomes collaboration with development partners, government agencies, and civil society to build on this progress and ensure that community-based health financing is integrated into national systems—paving the way for a more inclusive, people-centered healthcare future.
