The Government of Uganda, through the Office of the Prime Minister (OPM) and Ministry of Health, with support from the World Health Organization (WHO) and other health partners, including Samasha, launched the country’s second National Action Plan for Health Security (NAPHS II) for 2024–2029 on 12 th -Dec-2024. The UGX 1.1 trillion (approx. USD 295 million) plan aims to strengthen Uganda's capacity to prevent, detect, and respond to public health emergencies, in line with the International Health Regulations (IHR, 2005).
“This launch marks the beginning of an ambitious health security agenda and reaffirms our collective commitment to safeguarding the health and well-being of all Ugandans in line with the broader objectives of the National Development Plan IV,” said Hon. Justine Kasule Lumumba, Minister of General Duties in the OPM, on behalf of Prime Minister Rt. Hon. Robinah Nabbanja.
Uganda, prone to public health emergencies such as disease outbreaks and natural disasters, must be ready to respond while preventing the international spread of disease. The first NAPHS (2019–2023) saw transformative improvements, including enhanced disease surveillance systems and better collaboration in responding to zoonotic diseases. However, gaps were exposed during NAPHS I and the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly in community involvement in health security.
“NAPHS II builds on the achievements and lessons of NAPHS I, balancing immediate health threats and long-term resilience,” said Dr. Daniel Kyabayinze, Director of Public Health at the Ministry of Health.
Government representatives, health development partners, and implementing partners, including Samasha attended the launch event. “From the success in responding to the recent Ebola outbreak to ongoing surveillance and containment of public health risks, Uganda has shown that robust systems and collaboration can save lives,” said Dr. Christine Musanhu, on behalf of the Acting WHO Representative in Uganda, Dr. Charles Njuguna.