The British High Commission in Kampala recently brought together senior policymakers, health professionals, diaspora leaders, and development partners for the Uganda–UK Health Summit —

a celebration of collaboration, innovation, and shared progress in healthcare.

British High Commissioner to Uganda Lisa Chesney, Dr. Diana Atwine, Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Health, and several other dignitaries gathered to highlight how joint efforts between Uganda and the United Kingdom are transforming health systems and saving lives.

Celebrating collaboration and impact

The summit featured case studies spanning various medical fields — from nursing and oncology to Artificial Intelligence (AI) — showcasing how partnerships between Ugandan and UK institutions are delivering real-world results.

Key themes included:

- Strengthening health systems: Real-life stories of collaboration in clinical training, digital health, and health security.

- Mutual benefit: Evidence of how shared innovation and knowledge exchange help both Uganda and the UK advance their health goals.

- Diaspora leadership: Recognition of Ugandan health professionals in the UK and around the world who continue to drive healthcare improvements back home.

Partnerships making a difference

In her remarks, High Commissioner Lisa Chesney MBE applauded the long-standing partnership between the Medical Research Council (MRC), the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine (LSHTM), and the Uganda Virus Research Institute (UVRI) — collaborations that have played a critical role in tackling HIV/AIDS and other infectious diseases.

She also spotlighted several groundbreaking initiatives, including:

- The EMPOWER programme, which equips health workers to respond to maternal and neonatal emergencies.

- The University of Liverpool’s collaboration with the Infectious Diseases Institute on combating maternal sepsis.

- The introduction of cardiac MRI technology through a partnership between Barts NHS Trust and the Uganda Heart Institute.

- FreO2’s low-pressure oxygen systems, which have significantly reduced neonatal deaths at Kiryandongo Hospital.

These examples, Chesney noted, demonstrate how science, innovation, and partnership can directly improve lives.

A shared vision for the future

The summit, which also featured Uganda’s High Commissioner to the UK H.E. Nimisha Madhvani and Prof. Pauline Byakika, Vice Chancellor of Mbarara University of Science and Technology, served as a call to action for continued collaboration.

As the event concluded, delegates reaffirmed their commitment to deepening Uganda–UK partnerships, scaling up successful initiatives, and ensuring that joint health efforts continue to deliver inclusive and sustainable impact for both nations.

The Permanent Secretary Dr Diana Atwine said:

“Uganda is still the leader in epidemics control. We are grateful that the support we get from the UK is in line with Uganda’s strategic plan and national development plan. Our focus is now on integration – where we have one plan and one budget and we are thankful that the UK supports Uganda’s priorities. We are grateful for this summit since it strengthens ties and demonstrates mutual reciprocation. We particularly want to thank the UK for the Scale programme which aims to train a number of specialists.

Today’s summit will be a springboard for critical areas to be addressed including – the curriculum of different specialists, health innovations, talent registry. We also want to work with the diaspora to develop an HR policy that wards off bureaucratic processes so that more skilled workers come back to Uganda to contribute to our healthcare ambitions. We are keen to work with the UK to learn best practices and forge strategic collaborations”.

Uganda’s Ambassador to the UK, H.E Nimisha Madhvani praised the historical relationship between both countries said:

“It’s wonderful to be here in Uganda with all of you. This should now be an annual event in Uganda. Today, demonstrates the partnership and commitment of the Government of Uganda and the UK especially for medical research and medical progress for our people in Uganda. This includes budget support financing.

Together we have achieved capacity building, expanding training and developing health infrastructure, thereby improving health outcomes for Uganda. Knowledge sharing, facilitating the exchange of expertise, innovative approaches and best practices to enrich both our systems. Joint research, promoting collaborative research that advances medical science and benefits communities in both nations. I reconfirm Uganda’s commitment to working closely with the UK to advance healthcare”.

Ms. Margaret Caffrey, the Technical Director at the Global Health Partnerships (GHP) said:

“What makes these partnerships powerful is the people behind them - Ugandan and UK health workers, patients and diaspora communities working side by side to improve care. This is collaboration at its best”.