Kaziimba Urges Government to Use Oil Revenue for National Health Insurance

Archbishop Stephen Kaziimba Mugalu has urged the government to use part of Uganda’s oil and mineral revenues to establish a national health insurance scheme that would make healthcare more affordable and accessible for all citizens.

The Archbishop of the Church of Uganda, Dr Stephen Kaziimba Mugalu, has called on the government to set aside a portion of Uganda’s oil and mineral revenues to fund a national health insurance scheme aimed at supporting vulnerable citizens and easing the cost of healthcare for ordinary families.

He said many Ugandans continue to suffer because they cannot afford treatment for chronic and life-threatening illnesses such as cancer, stressing that access to quality healthcare should not be reserved for the wealthy.

Addressing pilgrims during the Uganda Martyrs Day celebrations at the Namugongo Martyrs’ Anglican Site on Wednesday under the theme, “Christ Our Peace: Breaking Walls, Healing the Nations,” Dr Kaziimba urged the 12th Parliament to prioritise and pass the National Health Insurance Bill.

He noted that disease outbreaks, cancer and other expensive illnesses have exposed significant gaps in Uganda’s healthcare system.

“We need to continue establishing national health insurance in Uganda. I request Parliament to come up with a bill for national health insurance,” Dr Kaziimba said.

His remarks come amid ongoing debate over Uganda’s delayed National Health Insurance Scheme, which has faced repeated legislative and policy hurdles despite years of advocacy by health experts, civil society organisations and religious leaders.

Beyond healthcare, the Archbishop appealed for unity, reconciliation and healing, saying the country is becoming increasingly divided along political, tribal and religious lines.

Reflecting on the sacrifice of the Uganda Martyrs, who were executed more than 140 years ago for refusing to renounce their Christian faith, he urged Ugandans to emulate their example by rejecting hatred, discrimination and tribalism.

Dr Kaziimba noted that both Anglican and Catholic martyrs were killed and buried together at Namugongo, describing their shared sacrifice as a lasting symbol of Christian unity and national cohesion.