Kamuli, Uganda: The First Deputy Prime Minister and Kamuli District Woman MP, Rebecca Kadaga, has challenged Members of Parliament-elect for the 12th Parliament to make the National Health Insurance legislation their top priority, warning that many Ugandans are dying due to lack of access to affordable healthcare.
Kadaga made the call while presiding over the burial of Charlotte Busingye Kazungu in Kabukye, Kamuli District. Kazungu succumbed to cholangiocarcinoma, a bile duct cancer that doctors say is often diagnosed late and requires specialized, multi-disciplinary treatment rarely accessible to ordinary Ugandans.
Addressing mourners, Kadaga expressed regret that during her tenure as Speaker of Parliament, the House passed a National Health Insurance Bill, which was later rejected at Cabinet level.
“We are sending off Charlotte who died of cancer, yet 10 years ago Parliament passed a bill on health insurance. When it went to Cabinet, it was thrown out instead of being amended. The new MPs must prioritize health insurance early enough to save their voters,” Kadaga said.
She stressed that falling sick in Uganda has become financially devastating for families due to limited public health infrastructure and the high cost of treatment in private facilities.
Push for Diagnostic Centres in Busoga
Earlier in the day, while officiating at a kidney health camp organized by Becky’s Child Foundation, Kadaga revealed that she had lobbied for five diagnostic centres to be established in Busoga sub-region.
According to Kadaga, the centres will offer kidney dialysis services to reduce the burden on patients who are forced to travel to Kampala, where they face high costs and bureaucratic delays.
“Many patients travel to Kampala seeking treatment but end up exploited by middlemen or abandoning treatment altogether. These diagnostic centres will bring services closer to the people,” she said.
She also called for increased health awareness, improved medical checkups, and stronger government investment in public health facilities to make healthcare accessible and affordable.
Busoga Leaders Speak
The Katukiro (Prime Minister) of Busoga Kingdom, Joseph Muvawala, used the funeral to appeal to government to reappoint Apollo Kazungu, a former Commissioner for Refugees in the Office of the Prime Minister, back into public service.
“Apollo is a committed civil servant whose capacity and integrity should not be lost. He should be placed where he can serve best,” Muvawala said.
Meanwhile, Busoga Diocese Bishop Grace Lubaale called for unity and renewed focus on development within Busoga, urging parents to invest in education and mentorship.
“Time for restoration is coming. With faith and perseverance, God’s providence will prevail,” Bishop Lubaale said while praying for the bereaved family.
Apollo Kazungu, speaking during the funeral, called for political harmony in Busoga, urging leaders to embrace civility and maturity in public service.
“Busoga needs unity in diversity and a multi-sectoral development agenda. We must reject hate campaigns and internal conflicts,” he said.
Growing Calls for Health Insurance Reform
Kadaga’s remarks come amid renewed national debate on the stalled National Health Insurance Scheme, which aims to create a pooled financing system to reduce out-of-pocket medical expenses for Ugandans.
Health experts have long argued that Uganda’s heavy reliance on out-of-pocket payments — estimated at over 40 percent of total health expenditure — exposes households to catastrophic health spending and preventable deaths.
As the 12th Parliament prepares to assume office, Kadaga’s appeal places health insurance reform at the centre of the new legislative agenda.
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