Lawmakers Demand National Strategy Before Approving Shs32.5 Billion for Hospital Digitization
KAMPALA — 29 January 2026 — A request by the Ministry of Health for UGX 32.5 billion to digitize public hospitals has hit a wall in Parliament, with legislators demanding a clear, overarching national digitization strategy before approving the funds.
The request was presented by Joseph Ruyonga, Chairperson of Parliament’s Health Committee, before the Budget Committee on January 28, 2026. The aim is to implement a hospital management system in main health facilities to combat the rampant theft of drugs and medical equipment.
While some MPs backed the principle of digitization, significant concerns were raised about the lack of a coordinated government plan.
Sylvia Nayebare, the Gomba Woman MP, voiced support, stating that a digital database is “the backbone” for improving transparency. “You cannot know how many patients got malaria this year… They need the database in place,” she argued.
However, this support was tempered by strong criticism from other committee members. Paul Omara, MP for Otuke County, questioned the ad-hoc approach to digitization across different ministries. “What is our overall strategy as a country on digitization of our systems?” Omara asked, highlighting that various sectors are proposing separate systems without a unified framework. He pointedly noted that drugs are “being stolen big time across the country,” but questioned the strategy behind the proposed solution.
Echoing this, Achia Remigio, Vice Chairperson of the Budget Committee, insisted that the Health Ministry must first present a comprehensive sector strategy. “We need a strategy. The committee must interrogate that,” Achia stated. He emphasized that digitization involves more than just funds; it requires a detailed rollout plan and network infrastructure. “What I want to know is… what is the strategy? Is it to roll out to every health centre?”
As a result, the Budget Committee has effectively withheld approval of the UGX 32.5 billion request pending the submission and scrutiny of a detailed digitization strategy from the Ministry of Health. The debate underscores a growing demand in Parliament for a cohesive national digital policy rather than fragmented, ministry-specific initiatives.
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