Health Minister Dr. Chris Baryomunsi has revealed that government is preparing a fresh proposal for a national health insurance scheme as part of efforts to make healthcare more affordable for Ugandans.Addressing Parliament on Wednesday, Baryomunsi said the Ministry of Health intends to return to legislators with proposals on how a national insurance system can be introduced and implemented across the country.
“I will be coming here with proposals on introducing health insurance in this country,” Baryomunsi told MPs, signalling a renewed push on an issue that has dominated Uganda’s health policy discussions for years.Uganda’s previous attempt to establish national health insurance reached Parliament, where the National Health Insurance Scheme Bill was passed in 2021. However, the legislation did not take effect, leaving government to reconsider the most practical financing and implementation framework.Baryomunsi also disclosed plans to strengthen the country’s emergency response system by increasing the number of ambulances available to communities.
He said the government remains committed to its policy of having at least one ambulance serving every constituency.For the 2026/27 financial year, the minister said the Ministry of Health expects to acquire as many as 50 ambulances, with priority going to constituencies considered to have the most urgent needs. The national budget has set aside Shs20 billion for ambulance services.Beyond the planned government procurement, Baryomunsi said the ministry is negotiating with a private company that could supply ambulances in large numbers under a deferred-payment arrangement, allowing government to spread the cost over several years.The initiatives come as pressure mounts on government to address high out-of-pocket healthcare expenses and improve emergency referrals, particularly in rural areas. Baryomunsi’s proposals could therefore reopen the national health insurance debate while simultaneously giving fresh momentum to efforts to close Uganda’s ambulance shortage.
