Uganda health workers continue to face immense challenges—low salaries, crushing workloads, and limited career growth. These conditions have pushed many out of the profession or forced them to seek better opportunities abroad. Despite government interventions, the system remains overwhelmed and under-resourced.
Maria Nakalema’s journey into nursing began with excitement. While waiting for admission into a nursing school, she volunteered at a health centre in Mpigi District, inspired by her dream of wearing the iconic white uniform. Over time, her admiration evolved into a genuine passion for caregiving. After graduating from a Kampala nursing school, she was among the few retained at the hospital where she trained. She received free meals, accommodation, and a monthly salary of Shs150,000.
But this support didn’t last. After three years, she had to start covering her rent and living expenses out of the same salary. Even after six years of service and a promotion to lead nurse of a ward, Nakalema earned just Shs330,000 a month. Her typical day was packed with ward rounds, procedures, and endless patient care—with no time to rest or eat. Exhausted and frustrated, she took a month of unpaid leave and never returned. She now works in the United Kingdom as a nurse.
Her story mirrors those of many Uganda health workers. Proscovia Bagavoire, once a nurse at Mulago National Referral Hospital, left to pursue social work. She cites the relentless demands, long hours—even on public holidays—and meagre pay as unsustainable. “You work nonstop, and yet you cannot support your family,” she explains.
The problem goes beyond the staff. Patients also bear the consequences. Joy Nsamba, a retired nurse from Mukono Health Centre IV, recalls countless instances where patients lacked access to basic medications. Supplies would run out, and health workers—driven by compassion—often gave patients money from their own pockets. “It’s more than just a job. These patients become family,” she says. “Watching them suffer because the system failed them was heartbreaking.”
From the other side of the bed, patients share the same frustrations. Grace Namuyimba, a mother from the local community, describes how it feels to be turned away. “You come expecting treatment, but are told there’s no medicine. You can see the nurses want to help, but their hands are tied,” she says.
Even doctors aren’t immune to these pressures. Dr. Henry Bukenya, a former physician at Mulago Hospital, opened a private clinic to supplement his income and provide patients with uninterrupted care. “The hospital workload is heavy, and often incomplete. Patients leave without getting full attention,” he notes. Still, he finds satisfaction in knowing he’s making a difference.
Recognising these challenges, the government has introduced reforms. Parliament’s Health Committee acknowledged the staggering worker-to-patient ratios: one doctor for every 25,000 people and one nurse for every 11,000—far from the WHO’s recommended 1:1,000. In 2022, the government significantly increased salaries. Senior medical consultants now earn Shs17.4 million, up from Shs7.3 million. Medical consultants receive Shs12.7 million, principal medical officers Shs8 million, and enrolled nurses now earn Shs1.3 million, almost double their previous pay.
In addition, the Ministry of Health has rolled out incentives including rural housing, bonuses, and continuous training. While these steps are commendable, they remain insufficient given the scale of the crisis.
Dr. Charles Tusiime of the Uganda Medical and Dental Practitioners Council points out another critical issue: unemployment among trained doctors. “The number of graduates has jumped from 300 to 1,500 annually, but the system hasn’t expanded to absorb them,” he explains. Many qualified professionals either start private clinics or migrate abroad, further draining the national health workforce.
These struggles highlight a systemic failure to support and retain Uganda health workers. While passion drives many into the profession, that same passion is often crushed under the weight of long shifts, poor pay, and lack of respect. The government has made efforts, but unless reforms address structural limitations, morale will continue to decline—and with it, the quality of care.
The dedication of Uganda health workers remains remarkable. But no matter how committed, they cannot carry the burden alone. For Uganda’s healthcare system to thrive, the state must go beyond salary increments and tackle root causes like understaffing, poor infrastructure, and inadequate supply chains. Only then will health workers stay, grow, and serve with the dignity they deserve.