Bringing specialised healthcare to the heart of Uganda

The Busoga region in eastern Uganda has long faced some of the country’s most persistent challenges in health and socio-economic development. But thanks to the determination of Busoga Health Forum (BHF) and a unique collaboration with PUM and other partners, that narrative is beginning to change. By increasing specialist participation, delivering rapid community impact through accessible services, and enhancing the visibility and organisational capacity of BHF, access to healthcare across the region is being transformed.

The Busoga Health Forum (BHF) is a national association based in Jinja City, Uganda. It brings together professionals and community members committed to improving health outcomes across the Busoga region. Despite being rich in natural and geographic assets, Busoga has long struggled with poor socio-economic and health indicators. BHF tackles these challenges through human-centred interventions and by engaging government, partners, and communities.

In recent years, BHF began exploring new ways to extend healthcare access, especially in remote and underserved communities. This led to a collaboration with PUM, initiated through PUM representative Brian Oceng. What followed was a dynamic exchange of knowledge and expertise, which has since made a tangible difference to thousands of people.

From challenge to change
One of the visible achievements of the collaboration is the free ENT (Ear, Nose and Throat) outreach programme. This initiative introduced mobile medical clinics that brought ENT specialists directly to rural areas. In 2023 alone, ten outreach events took place, offering consultations to over 435 patients, many of whom had never had access to such services before. The programme is now expanding into other specialities such as cardiology and hernia care. In this context, PUM expert Hilde Meijs shared her expertise in the area of innovation and best practices.

Strong base for partnerships
Because of the PUM partnership with the Busoga Health Forum, significant advocacy efforts were initiated that attracted attention from the Ugandan government. Notably, the Ministry of Health responded by recruiting a Consultant ENT Surgeon at Jinja Regional Referral Hospital, the first time such a specialist has been stationed in the region. This has laid the foundation for a permanent ENT unit, strengthening both outreach and facility-based care.

This growing network has also enabled BHF to reach people through large-scale community events. During the royal wedding of the King of Busoga, for example, the Forum organised a major health camp offering 10,000 free check-ups, a powerful example of how healthcare can be woven into community and cultural life.

As part of its broader strategy, BHF also sought to strengthen its financial sustainability. In this area, PUM expert Theo Lingmont shared his experience in the hospitality and tourism sector, advising on the operations of the Jinja Forest Hotel. The hotel has since been revitalised and now contributes to BHF’s income. As part of a larger social and business ecosystem, the link between economic development and healthcare access is now reinforced.

Shared knowledge becomes shared impact
The outcomes of this partnership are clear. BHF has grown its team by 60%, increased its revenues by over 50%, and, most importantly, expanded healthcare access to more than 15,000 people across the Busoga region.

What began as a shared ambition to improve healthcare in one of Uganda’s most underserved areas has evolved into a powerful example of cross-border collaboration. Rooted in mutual respect and a shared commitment to community wellbeing, the partnership between BHF and PUM continues to show how knowledge exchange and local leadership can drive lasting impact.