What We Do

Our work is organized into five strategic areas and implemented through nationwide programs, campaigns, and partnerships.

🩺 1. Advocacy and Policy Engagement

Goal: To amplify the patient voice in Uganda’s health policy and system reforms.

UAPO works with the Ministry of Health, WHO, NDA, and other stakeholders to ensure patients are recognized as key partners in healthcare planning, implementation, and monitoring.
We facilitate dialogues between patients, policymakers, and health professionals to address gaps in service delivery and promote equitable healthcare access.

Key Activities:

• Representing patient organizations in national health policy forums.

• Engaging in advocacy for Universal Health Coverage (UHC) and patient safety.

• Promoting inclusion of patient perspectives in research and innovation.

• Developing position papers and advocacy toolkits for member organizations.

Impact Example:
UAPO contributed to Uganda’s National Health Policy Review, ensuring patient rights and safety standards are reflected in the new framework.

📚 2. Health Literacy and Education

Goal: To equip patients and communities with knowledge to make informed health decisions.

We believe that informed patients are empowered patients.
Through health talks, media campaigns, and educational materials, UAPO builds patient confidence to seek care, ask questions, and adhere to treatment.

Programs under this area:

• Medication Safety Awareness Campaign: Educating patients on safe medicine use through radio, SMS, and community workshops.

• Patient Rights Awareness Drive: Promoting understanding of patient rights and responsibilities in healthcare facilities.

• Community Health Dialogues: Open forums connecting health workers, patients, and community leaders to discuss local health challenges.

Impact Example:
Over 15,000 patients reached with information on medication safety, dosage adherence, and counterfeit drug awareness.

❤️ 3. Patient Support and Empowerment

Goal: To build confidence and capacity among patient-led organizations and individuals.

UAPO provides training, mentorship, and platforms for patients to share their experiences and lead change within their communities.
Through workshops and networking, we strengthen the organizational and leadership capacity of patient advocates.

Flagship Program:

• Leadership in Caring Workshops:
  These training sessions empower patient advocates with leadership, communication, and advocacy skills to engage effectively with decision-makers.

Support Services:

• Peer-to-peer counseling and mentorship.

• Capacity-building toolkits and online learning materials.

• Support group development and coordination.

Impact Example:
More than 200 community patient advocates trained since inception, many now serving as local health champions.

🫀 4. Research, Data, and Innovation

Goal: To advance patient-centered research and promote evidence-based advocacy.

UAPO collaborates with academic institutions such as Makerere University and the Uganda Heart Institute to generate data that reflects real patient experiences.
We believe that research should not only be about patients but with patients.

Research Focus Areas:

• Access to medicines and healthcare services.

• Patient safety and satisfaction studies.

• Non-communicable disease (NCD) management and prevention.

• Impact assessments of patient-led interventions.

Recent Project:
Under the Heart Afya Campaign, UAPO collected screening data from over 3,000 participants, informing regional NCD response strategies.

🤝 5. Partnerships and Collaboration

Goal: To create a unified national movement for patient-centered healthcare.

No organization can improve healthcare alone — that’s why UAPO builds strong partnerships with government, civil society, and the private sector.
We foster collaboration between patient organizations, research institutions, and healthcare providers to deliver holistic and sustainable health solutions.

Our Key Partners Include:

• Ministry of Health (MOH)

• World Health Organization (WHO)

• National Drug Authority (NDA)

• International Alliance of Patients’ Organizations (IAPO)

• The AIDS Support Organization (TASO)

• Health Action International (HAI)

• Makerere University

• Uganda Heart Institute

• Uganda cancer institute