On Friday, 1st August 2025, our team joined policymakers, healthcare providers, and development partners for the three-day Family Health Expo & Symposium at UMA Show Grounds in Kampala. The event served as a collaborative platform focused on strengthening Uganda’s healthcare system through innovation, partnerships, and a strong emphasis on preventive healthcare.
In her opening remarks, Mrs. Asanda Zurah, Executive Director of Paradigm for Social Justice and Development, delivered a powerful message that set the tone for the days ahead. She called attention to the urgent and intertwined challenges of climate change, sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR), especially among young people and adolescents. Mrs. Zurah emphasized that these are not abstract or future threats, they are real and present. Communities across East and Southern Africa are already grappling with the effects of floods, cyclones, and other climate-related disasters, which disrupt access to critical services such as healthcare and education. She urged participants to recognize that youth, particularly girls and women in underserved areas, bear the brunt of these overlapping crises. Her call was clear: young people must be at the center of efforts to secure a sustainable and equitable future.
Building on that message, Dr. John Paul Bagala, an obstetrician with the Ministry of Health, gave a keynote address centered on the importance of preventive healthcare in improving the nation’s well-being. He highlighted the Ministry’s ongoing commitment to making healthcare services accessible and inclusive for all. Dr. Bagala specifically encouraged youth to take full advantage of available health resources, avoid early pregnancies, and remain in school. He stressed the role of families and communities in creating supportive environments for young people, while also pointing to the growing importance of addressing mental health challenges in both schools and communities. His message was not only informative, but also deeply motivational, a reminder that health systems must evolve to meet the complex needs of today’s society.
One of the event’s most engaging sessions was a panel discussion moderated by Mr. Badru Bengo, Manager – Life, Medical & Pensions at the Uganda Insurers Association. The discussion which focused on unlocking opportunities in health insurance, brought together a range of voices from the insurance and healthcare sectors as well as development partners. The panel explored strategies to expand access to affordable and inclusive health insurance across Uganda. They discussed the current policy landscape, the role of private sector innovation, and the importance of raising public awareness. A recurring theme was the need for strategic partnerships to drive uptake, particularly in hard-to-reach and underserved communities. Panelists agreed that health insurance is a critical tool not just for reducing financial strain on families, but also for improving healthcare access and supporting Uganda’s ambition to achieve Universal Health Coverage.
As the event drew to a close on the third day, Mr. Brian Bogere, Executive Director of Copious Health Services, delivered heartfelt closing remarks. He expressed deep gratitude to all the sponsors, partners, and participants who made the inaugural event a success. “We wouldn’t have made it this far without your support,” he said. “Although this was our first edition, it has already exceeded our expectations. Yes, there were a few challenges, but here we are, successfully closing on the final day.” Mr. Bogere reaffirmed the commitment to building a national culture centered on health prevention, noting that the conversations and connections sparked at the symposium are just the beginning. He also acknowledged the various partners and stakeholders whose contributions made the event possible, stating, “I may not mention each by name, but please know that your support has been invaluable.”
The Family Health Expo & Symposium left a lasting impression not just as a well-organized event, but as the beginning of a transformative movement in Uganda’s health sector. It brought urgency, clarity, and hope to critical issues facing the country, and it reaffirmed a shared belief: that health is not just a service, it is a collective responsibility.
