Kampala:- In a country striving to accelerate progress toward Universal Health Coverage, the World Health Organization (WHO) has stepped up efforts to amplify civil society engagement and community voices as central pillars of Uganda’s health system strengthening.
Civil society organizations (CSOs) are playing an increasingly influential role in shaping reproductive, maternal, newborn, child, and adolescent health (RMNCAH) outcomes. Through partnerships with community platforms, professional networks, and grassroots organizations, WHO Uganda is supporting initiatives that enhance accountability, promote people-centred care, and ensure community perspectives are embedded in policy and decision-making.
Civil Society at the Heart of Accountability
On April 2, 2026, WHO joined Uganda’s Civil Society Platform for reproductive, maternal, newborn, child, adolescent health, nutrition and healthy ageing, at its Annual General Meeting, a gathering that highlighted the growing importance of civil society in monitoring government commitments and strengthening service delivery.
Addressing participants, Kira Koch, health systems coordinator from the WHO Country Office reaffirmed its commitment to supporting CSOs as key actors in health governance.
“As Uganda advances toward Universal Health Coverage, the leadership of civil society in demand creation, community mobilization and holding systems accountable, is indispensable in ensuring no one is left behind,” she noted during the meeting.
A major highlight was the presentation of findings from a participatory social accountability exercise conducted across eight districts. The initiative, implemented in partnership with the Ministry of Health and supported by WHO, assessed the rollout of Uganda’s RMNCAH Sharpened Plan II and identified barriers faced by women and adolescents in accessing care.
Community Voices Inform National Policy
What made the exercise particularly impactful was its participatory nature. It created safe spaces for women, adolescents, and marginalized populations to openly discuss challenges they face in accessing sexual and reproductive health services.
Key issues raised included barriers to family planning, gaps in post-abortion care, gender-based violence, stigma, and concerns around quality of care. The findings revealed a clear need for stronger community engagement, improved accountability systems, and greater investment in people-centred services.
These insights are now feeding directly into the development of the upcoming RMNCAH Sharpened Plan III, signaling a shift toward more inclusive and responsive health planning.
Uganda’s innovative approach has also attracted global attention. The country’s experience is being featured in an upcoming WHO global guidance document on strengthening social participation in sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) priority setting, positioning Uganda as an emerging example of integrating community voices into national planning.
Spotlight on Compassionate Care and Health Workforce Wellbeing
Beyond civil society and community engagement, WHO is advocating for a more holistic approach to healthcare, one that recognizes the importance of empathy, communication, and health worker wellbeing.
This message took centre stage during the 2nd National Soft Skills in Healthcare Conference held in Kampala from April 23–24, 2026. Organized by the Little Winnie Foundation, the conference brought together healthcare professionals, students, policymakers, and partners under the theme “Soft Skills & Self-Care at the Heart of Quality Care.”
Kira Koch delivered a keynote presentation emphasizing that quality care extends beyond clinical expertise. Compassion, effective communication, resilience, and respectful patient engagement are equally critical in improving health outcomes.
Discussions highlighted the pressing need to support frontline health workers through mentorship, positive workplace environments, and mental health support. Participants underscored that investing in the wellbeing of healthcare providers is essential to sustaining a motivated workforce and delivering consistent, high-quality services.
Ms Koch further called for integrating self-care and people-centred approaches into broader health system strengthening efforts, particularly in areas such as sexual and reproductive health and rights, adolescent health, and community-based care.
Building Resilient and Inclusive Health Systems
Together, these initiatives reflect a broader strategy by WHO Uganda to strengthen health systems through inclusive, participatory approaches. By working closely with civil society and communities, WHO is helping to ensure that health interventions are not only technically sound but also socially responsive and equitable.
The organization’s efforts align with global and national priorities to improve accountability, address disparities, and deliver quality care to vulnerable populations, especially women, children, and adolescents.
As Uganda continues to navigate evolving health challenges, the emphasis on collaboration, community engagement, and compassionate care offers a promising pathway toward more resilient and people-centred health systems.
In amplifying community voices and strengthening partnerships, WHO and its partners are not only improving service delivery but also reshaping how health systems respond to the people they serve, placing individuals and communities firmly at the centre of care.
