The Ministry of Health, in partnership with the Smart African Village Development Consortium (SADO), has unveiled a major Imaging, Diagnostic, and Non-Communicable Disease (NCD) project to be implemented in Busoga.
The project, officially launched by the Deputy Prime Minister, Rt. Hon. Dr. Rebecca Kadaga, aims to improve access to quality and affordable imaging and diagnostic services in the region. It will be implemented in five hospitals and seventy-six (76) health centres across the East Central Sub-Region.
“Kamuli General Hospital is set to benefit from advanced equipment, including a CT scan, X-ray, and MRI machine, enhancing its capacity to identify and manage complex cases,” Kadaga said. “The project shall cause a shift in healthcare through accessible, quality, and affordable imaging and diagnostic services across the East Central Sub-Region.”
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Strengthening NCD and Biomedical Services
Through the project, SADO, with funding from its USA and UK partners, will support the Ministry of Health to strengthen Non-Communicable Disease community response and improve biomedical services. The partnership aims to make diagnostic services more accessible, easing case identification and management for diseases such as hypertension, diabetes, and other NCDs.
Impact on Healthcare in Busoga
The Busoga region in eastern Uganda faces significant health challenges, despite recent improvements in healthcare infrastructure and services. Maternal and child health indicators remain concerning. According to a 2025 report by the World Health Organization Regional Office for Africa, maternal deaths in Busoga stand at 93 per 100,000 institutional deliveries, surpassing the national average. Similarly, under-five mortality is 65 per 1,000 live births, also higher than the national average. These figures highlight the ongoing need for strengthened healthcare services and better access to quality care.
Despite repeated interventions in the past, including providing essential medical equipment and building the capacity of health workers in Health Center IVs in the participating districts, the region continues to face challenges with the healthcare workforce. Reports indicate health worker absenteeism, including instances of staff taking unauthorized leave or engaging in private practice, which affects service delivery and patient care.
