In a bold declaration, Rt. Hon. Anita Annet Among, the Speaker of the Parliament of Uganda and Woman Member of Parliament for Bukedea District, pledged to fast-track two long-pending but highly consequential health-related bills—the National Health Insurance Bill and the Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) Bill—before the end of the current 12th Parliament.
“I am going to ensure that before we end the 12th Parliament, the National Health Insurance and the Assisted Reproductive Technology Bills are passed into law,” said Among. “Every person deserves quality healthcare, and every woman deserves a child of her own.”
Her statement came as she officiated the unveiling of the state-of-the-art medical facility, Healing Way Hospital, founded by businessman and philanthropist Capt. George Michael Mukula. The event drew medical professionals, politicians, and civil society leaders, all unified around a common goal: transforming Uganda’s healthcare system to be more accessible, equitable, and efficient.
What These Bills Mean for the Common Ugandan
- The National Health Insurance Bill: A Game-Changer for Universal Health Coverage
If passed into law, the National Health Insurance Bill would establish a mandatory health insurance scheme for all Ugandans, with both employers and employees contributing. The goal is to ensure universal health coverage (UHC)—so that every Ugandan, regardless of income, geography, or social status, can access medical care without suffering financial hardship.
Currently, out-of-pocket expenditure accounts for a significant portion of health spending in Uganda, often forcing families to sell assets or borrow money to pay hospital bills. This law would eliminate such financial strain by enabling the pooling of funds to support healthcare access, especially for vulnerable groups like the elderly, unemployed, and rural dwellers.
Key benefits of the National Health Insurance scheme include:
- Affordable healthcare for all Ugandans
- Subsidized or fully-covered essential medical services
- Improved health-seeking behavior among citizens
- Reduced mortality from treatable and preventable diseases
- Reduced overcrowding in public hospitals through better funding
“Health is not a luxury, it is a right,” Among emphasized. “When this bill becomes law, no mother should die in childbirth; no child should miss treatment because their parents are poor.”
- Assisted Reproductive Technology Bill: Empowering Families with Fertility Challenges
The Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) Bill seeks to regulate fertility treatments such as in vitro fertilization (IVF), intrauterine insemination, and surrogacy—a growing need in Uganda where many couples face fertility challenges.
Statistics from the World Health Organization indicate that about 10–15% of couples in Uganda experience infertility, yet access to treatment remains limited, expensive, and unregulated.
If enacted, the ART Bill will: Provide a legal and ethical framework for fertility clinics and service providers, Protect the rights of patients, donors, and children born through ART, Set standards for safety, consent, and medical oversight, Open up access to affordable and safe fertility treatment options and Destigmatize infertility and empower more women and couples among others.
Among stated passionately, “Every woman deserves the chance to bear a child. This law will restore hope to many families who have silently struggled with infertility for years.”
Private Sector’s Role: Partnering with Government for a Healthier Uganda
The Speaker also praised the private sector’s role in complementing government efforts to improve healthcare. She pledged continued support, including tax incentives and exemptions on medical equipment, to organizations investing in health infrastructure.
“Mukula’s investment in Healing Way Hospitals is a clear manifestation of his commitment to giving back to the community,” she noted. “I encourage more private players to step in—this is the time to prioritize the health of our people.”
Professor Francis Gervase Omaswa, Group Chairman of Healing Way Hospitals, Chancellor of Soroti University, and renowned cardiovascular surgeon, emphasized the transformative power of health in human development.
“Health is more than wealth, it is the foundation of a productive life,” he said. “With our experienced doctors and cutting-edge technology, Healing Way Hospital is ready to deliver excellence in care.”
Meanwhile, Capt. George Michael Mukula, former State Minister of Health and the visionary behind Healing Way, thanked the government for creating a conducive environment for investment and reiterated his passion for humanitarian service.
“This is not just a business, it is a mission to serve humanity with equality and dignity,” Mukula said. “Let us build a healthcare system where no one is left behind.”
A Defining Moment for Uganda’s Health Sector
The launch of Healing Way Hospital, combined with the Speaker’s unwavering commitment to pushing through vital health legislation, marks a turning point in Uganda’s journey toward a stronger, more inclusive healthcare system.
If these two transformative bills are passed into law, millions of Ugandans stand to benefit, from greater access to healthcare and protection from financial ruin, to hope for families dealing with infertility.
With the private sector, Parliament, and healthcare experts rallying together, Uganda may be inching closer to the dream of “Health for All.”
