Kampala , Uganda – The colorful 5th Edition of the Heroes in Health Awards (HIHA 2024), themed “Health Workforce Financing to Achieve Universal Health Coverage,” took place at Speke Resort Munyonyo.
The event, hosted by the Ministry of Health alongside its partners, celebrated outstanding men and women who have tirelessly worked to shine a light on Uganda’s health sector. Entities, institutions, services, products, and programs with remarkable contributions to Uganda’s healthcare were also recognized.
Since its inception in 2019, HIHA has celebrated trailblazers transforming Uganda’s health system. Last night’s Diaspora Merit Award went to Moses Mulimira, the lead person for Uganda UK Health Alliance (UUKHA), Diaspora Engagement Advisor and Project Manager at Tropical Health and Education Trust (THET), Global Health Fellow at NHSE, and Founder of the Uganda Diaspora Health Foundation. Primrose Magala, a prominent member of Eye-Health Africa and the Uganda Nurses and Midwives Association in the UK, was also honored.
“I am thrilled to be recognized with the Diaspora Merit Award at HIHA 2024. Receiving several nominations from both our motherland and the Diaspora is a true honor. This recognition fills me with immense pride and motivates me to continue supporting our health sector,” Mulimira said. He added that the recognition is more than just a personal win, as it reflects his patriotic spirit and commitment to contributing positively to building a resilient and sustainable health system in Uganda. “I thank my team at THET, the Ministry of Health in Uganda, and all those who nominated me for their support. I am inspired by this award and promise to work even harder for the growth of Uganda’s health sector,” he added.
On her part, Primrose Magala, a Ugandan British nurse at the world-renowned Moorfields Eye Hospital in London, expressed her gratitude for being recognized for her contributions to Uganda’s health system. “It feels great to see the Diaspora acknowledged as important players and partners in national and global health and economic development. This moment is especially meaningful because I stand here with our own heroes. What an incredible honor!” she said.
She thanked Moorfields Eye Hospital, the Ministry of Health, and all participants for their continued efforts and support in transforming Uganda’s health system. “I am sincerely grateful to my colleagues for inspiring us to be proactive participants and contributors to positive change back home,” Magala added.
The event was graced by the Health Minister, Hon. Dr. Jane Ruth Aceng; Justice Minister, Hon. Nobert Mao; Director General of Health Services, Dr. Henry Mwebesa; State Minister for Minerals, Phiona Nyamutoro; Senior Presidential Advisor on Creatives, Eddy Kenzo; Health Ministry Spokesman, Emmanuel Ainebyoona; and Deputy CEO of Next Media, Joseph Kigozi.
Other notable winners included Dr. Kyomugisha Edward (Doctor of the Year), Dr. Mwandah Daniel Chans (Pharmacist of the Year), Jedah Twebaze (Nurse of the Year), and Atako Harriet (Midwife of the Year), among others.
On the sidelines, stakeholders emphasized the critical role of financing in ensuring the sustainable development and strengthening of both health workers and institutions. “One of the key strategies to make the health workforce more effective is the use of performance-based incentives and results-based financing,” Jessica Healey stressed.
Stanbic, DFCU, and Housing Finance Banks extended tokens of appreciation to the winners, underscoring their commitment to advancing and supporting healthcare in Uganda.
Special appreciation was extended to the organizers for recognizing the vital contributions of healthcare professionals and practitioners to the development of Uganda’s healthcare sector. This edition of HIHA has set the stage for the 6th edition in 2025, which is expected to bring a brighter spotlight to healthcare heroes, building community pride and encouraging excellence across the sector.
