Ministry of Health Takes Over National Digital Health Systems from Makerere University

The Ministry of Health Uganda has officially taken over national digital health systems and assets from the Makerere University School of Public Health, a step in strengthening Uganda’s health sector.

The handover, held on March 31, 2026, at the Ministry’s headquarters, was facilitated under the MakSPH Monitoring and Evaluation Technical Support programme.

The transition concludes 15 years of investment worth $103.8 million by the United States government through the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and PEPFAR.

Since its launch in 2010, the programme has addressed key gaps in Uganda’s health system, including fragmented data systems, limited coordination, and weak use of digital tools in decision-making.

Officials say the initiative has improved access to timely and reliable health data, strengthening decision-making across the sector.

Disease surveillance has expanded to more than 1,300 health facilities, while reporting rates have risen from 58 percent in 2020 to 98 percent in 2025. Electronic medical record coverage has also increased to over 86 percent nationwide.

The government has taken over critical infrastructure, including 725 servers, over 4,700 computing devices, solar power systems for nearly 800 health facilities, and connectivity equipment for more than 1,300 sites.

Other assets include video conferencing systems, upgraded regional referral hospital networks, and trained personnel to support operations.

Dean Rhoda Wanyenze said the milestone reflects long-term collaboration and national ownership.

“The milestone goes beyond the transfer of assets. The systems have been co-created, embedded within national structures, and are now fully owned by the government,” she said.

The ceremony was officiated by William W. Popp and Permanent Secretary Diana Atwine, alongside senior government and partner officials.

A total of 16 digital health platforms were handed over, covering services such as electronic medical records, HIV case-based surveillance, disease outbreak tracking, and stock monitoring for essential medicines.

The Ministry says the move will strengthen national capacity to manage and expand digital health innovations, building a more connected and resilient health system.