The Chairperson of Equal Opportunities Commission Hon Safia Nalule Jjuuko has reaffirmed the commitment to advancing equity in health service delivery and emphasized that eliminating stigma, discrimination and systemic barriers is key to ensuring all Ugandans especially vulnerable communities can access HIV, TB and malaria services.
She highlighted the critical role of data, inclusive policies and affirmative action guidelines in shaping responsive programs, while calling on stakeholders to work collectively in promoting equal opportunities, accountability and people-centered health systems.
Hon Safina made the remarks March 31st 2026 while launching the Report on Human Rights and Equity in Access to HIV, TB, and Malaria Services in Uganda, alongside the validation of Equal Opportunities and Affirmative Action Guidelines which was held at Imperial Royale Hotel.
The launch reinforced a shared commitment among stakeholders to strengthen collaboration, close equity gaps, and ensure that no Ugandan is left behind in accessing essential health services.
While speaking at the same event, Ms Petua Babirye Isabirye, underscored that persistent HIV, TB and malaria infections in Uganda are closely linked to deep-rooted human rights and equity barriers affecting vulnerable and marginalized populations.
Presenting key findings, Ms Babirye highlighted that despite existing policies and investments, gaps in access, awareness, inclusion, and service delivery continue to leave many behind calling for targeted affirmative action, inclusive planning and rights-based interventions that respond to the specific needs of every group to ensure no Ugandan is excluded from life-saving health services.
The Director General Health Services at the Ministry of Health Dr Charles Olaro, reaffirmed government’s commitment to strengthening equitable access to healthcare, calling for collective action to eliminate barriers that continue to hinder effective delivery of HIV, TB and malaria services in Uganda.
Dr Olaro commended the Equal Opportunities Commission for documenting critical gaps in access, emphasizing that addressing stigma, discrimination, poverty, and systemic health challenges must move beyond discussion to practical implementation.
He noted that despite progress, Uganda still records thousands of TB cases annually, while new HIV infections particularly among young people remain a concern, underscoring the need for targeted communication and community-centered interventions.
Dr Olaro also highlighted the importance of early health-seeking behavior, especially among men who often delay treatment, and stressed the need to strengthen health literacy so that Ugandans prioritize their wellbeing just as they do economic empowerment.
He further called for a whole-of-government and whole-of-society approach to address broader determinants of health such as nutrition, housing, and access to information.
While reaffirming the Ministry’s direction, Dr Olaro pointed to ongoing efforts including integrated service delivery, expansion of community health systems, and deployment of community extension workers to bring services closer to the people.
He also emphasized the importance of professionalism, confidentiality, and compassion among health workers to build trust and improve service uptake and underscored that success in combating HIV, TB and malaria will not only be measured by statistics, but by the country’s commitment to human dignity, equity, and social justice, officially launching the report as a step forward in ensuring no Ugandan is left behind.
The Equal Opportunities Commission (EOC) of Uganda regularly releases annual reports on the State of Equal Opportunities, which include comprehensive assessments of gender and equity compliance in national planning and budgeting.
These reports, highlight achievements in addressing disparities while pointing out persistent inequalities in access to public services, employment, and resources.
