Health 13 March 2026 Parliament of Uganda
Ugandan Parliament Passes Motion to Boost Funding for Sickle Cell Disease Fight
Parliament has adopted a motion urging the government to recognize Sickle Cell Disease as a critical public health issue warranting increased budgetary support for prevention, screening, and treatment. Presented by Hon. Asuman Basalirwa and supported by fellow MPs, the move highlights the disease's heavy toll on Uganda's population. Source: https://www.parliament.go.ug/news/4299/mps-pass-motion-fight-sickle-cell-disease
Ugandan lawmakers have unanimously passed a motion calling for greater government investment in tackling Sickle Cell Disease (SCD), a severe inherited blood disorder.
Hon. Asuman Basalirwa (JEEMA, Bugiri Municipality) tabled the motion on March 12, 2026, during a session presided over by Speaker Anita Among. He emphasized SCD’s status as a major non-communicable disease, citing constitutional duties to provide basic medical services and global concerns raised by the World Health Assembly.
Basalirwa noted that around 13.3% of Ugandans carry the sickle cell trait, with about 20,000 babies born annually with the disease. Tragically, 6,000 to 9,000 children die before age five due to poor diagnosis and care access. Families endure financial hardship from frequent crises and hospitalizations.
While acknowledging Ministry of Health efforts like newborn screening and integrated services, Basalirwa stressed that insufficient funding perpetuates high prevalence and mortality.
Hon. Hope Nakazibwe (Mubende Woman Representative) seconded the motion, urging urgent action on the public health burden. Hon. Dr. Charles Ayume (Koboko Municipality) advocated awareness campaigns similar to HIV/AIDS initiatives and proposed Shs5-10 billion for Hydroxyurea medication to ease patient suffering.
Hon. Col. Victor Nekesa (UPDF Representative) warned of the family and national strain from unsupported SCD cases, while Government Chief Whip Hon. Hamson Obua highlighted existing testing equipment in Lango facilities.
The motion seeks to elevate SCD’s priority in national budgeting.
Source: Parliament of Uganda