In Uganda, many people suffer from untreated illnesses—both major and minor—due to limited access to healthcare facilities and essential medicines. In response to this critical need, the grassroots organization Smart Transitions, with the support of advisor Markus Lejsek and in collaboration with other implementing partners, organizes health camps in vulnerable areas of Uganda’s capital, Kampala. These camps offer free medical services to people who would otherwise go without care.
Mbabazi, a young woman living in Kisaasi, Kampala, had been battling malaria for weeks using home remedies, but her condition did not improve. “I had been wanting to go to the health center for a long time, but I couldn't because of the long distance to the hospital,” she shared. “I was also discouraged by the fact that medicines were not available.” It wasn’t until she heard an announcement on the local radio station Mama FM about a free health camp that hope returned.
She attended the camp and finally received a proper blood test and treatment for her condition. “I thank Mama FM for organizing the camp because I was able to have a blood test and also get medication for my illness,” she added. Her story is one of hundreds that demonstrate the life-changing impact of these health camps.
The health camp that Mbabazi attended was supported by the medical team from Praise Medical Center, led by Dr. Sylver. In just one day, the camp provided 450 health services to the local community:
These numbers reflect not only the need but the willingness of people to seek help when it is made accessible.
Sarah Birungi, Executive Director of Smart Transitions, highlights the structural inequality in Uganda’s healthcare system:
“The level of health infrastructure in Uganda varies greatly, depending on factors such as location and the financial status of the sick person. With activities like today's, we aim to bridge the gap and provide quality health services to those who would not otherwise be able to afford them.”
She emphasizes that the organization focuses particularly on women and youth, who are among the most vulnerable groups in society.
“We hope that with sustainable economic development, good governance at all levels and improved service delivery, such an intervention will no longer be necessary in the near future. We at Smart Transitions would like to contribute to this goal.”
While maternal health has improved in recent years, serious challenges remain—especially in rural areas. There, access to skilled care, emergency services, and essential medicines remains limited. Adolescent girls face high rates of teenage pregnancy, often due to inadequate sex education and poor access to reproductive health services. Many of them are expelled from school after becoming pregnant, which severely limits their future prospects.
Preventive healthcare services such as cervical cancer screening and family planning are still not widely available. Women with disabilities often face additional barriers. On top of that, cultural norms, mistreatment in health facilities, and lack of health literacy further restrict access to care.
Although health insurance could offer a solution, very few Ugandans are covered. According to the Uganda National Household Survey (UNHS) 2019/20, only 4% of people aged 15 and above have any kind of health insurance. That’s even lower than in 2016/17, and far from the national target of 25% or the Vision 2040 goal of 70%.
Health insurance is typically available only to urban employees through their workplaces, or to wealthy individuals who can afford private coverage. The vast majority of Ugandans—especially in remote or impoverished areas—are left with no affordable or reliable healthcare options.
Smart Transitions extends its heartfelt thanks to all partners who contributed to the success of the health camp. As horizont3000, we deeply appreciate the tireless efforts of all organizations working on the ground in Uganda to improve health and wellbeing, often in the most challenging circumstances.
