Original Research – Special Collection: Vaccine Effectiveness in Africa Implications of COVID-19 pandemic and response approaches in Uganda: Stakeholder perspectives

Moses Ocan, Josephine Bayigga, Adelline Twimukye, Hellen Nansiiro, Daphine Sanger, Mordecai Tayebwa, Boniconsilli Tusiime, Maureen Katusiime, Daniel Kyabayinze, Benon Kwesiga, Henry K. Bosa, Leah Mbabazi, Tonny Muwonge, Brenda N. Simbwa, Francis Kakooza, Mosoka P. Fallah, Alex R. Ario

Journal of Public Health in Africa | Vol 16, No 1 | a697 | DOI: https://doi.org/10.4102/jphia.v16i1.697 | © 2025 Moses Ocan, Josephine Bayigga, Adelline Twimukye, Hellen Nansiiro, Daphine Sanger, Mordecai Tayebwa, Boniconsilli Tusiime, Maureen Katusiime, Daniel Kyabayinze, Benon Kwesiga, Henry K. Bosa, Leah Mbabazi, Tonny Muwonge, Brenda N. Simbwa, Francis Kakooza, | This work is licensed under CC Attribution 4.0
Submitted: 24 June 2024 | Published: 05 March 2025

About the author(s) Moses Ocan, Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
Josephine Bayigga, Infectious Diseases Institute, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
Adelline Twimukye, Infectious Diseases Institute, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
Hellen Nansiiro, Department of Grants, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
Daphine Sanger, Department of Health Policy and Management, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
Mordecai Tayebwa, Department of Grants, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
Boniconsilli Tusiime, Department of Grants, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
Maureen Katusiime, Department of Public Health, Faculty of Disease Prevention, Ministry of Health, Kampala, Uganda
Daniel Kyabayinze, Department of Clinical Services, Clinical Faculty, Ministry of Health, Kampala, Uganda
Benon Kwesiga, Department of Clinical Services, Clinical Faculty, Ministry of Health, Kampala, Uganda
Henry K. Bosa, Clinical Department, Faculty of Disease Prevention, Ministry of Health, Kampala, Uganda
Leah Mbabazi, Infectious Diseases Institute, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
Tonny Muwonge, Infectious Diseases Institute, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
Brenda N. Simbwa, Department of Epidemiology, Uganda National Institute of Public Health, Ministry of Health, Kampala, Uganda
Francis Kakooza, Infectious Diseases Institute, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
Mosoka P. Fallah, Department of Epidemiology, Faculty of Disease Prevention, Africa Centers of Disease Control and Prevention, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Alex R. Ario, Department of Epidemiology, Uganda National Institute of Public Health, Ministry of Health, Kampala, Uganda

Abstract

Background: The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic significantly impacted health systems worldwide.

Aim: This study explored the effects of the COVID-19 cascade on health programmes in Uganda.

Setting: This study conducted in-depth interviews with key informants involved in Uganda’s national COVID-19 response.

Methods: A cross-sectional exploratory study using qualitative approaches was carried out. A purposive sample of 30 key informants from the Ministry of Health (MoH) and implementing partners were interviewed (May 2023 – June 2023). Interviews were audio recorded and analysed using inductive thematic analysis with NVivo 14 software.

Results: Four themes emerged: (1) approaches and opportunities for successful COVID-19 response, (2) negative impacts of the pandemic on health services, (3) barriers to implementing response strategies and (4) suggestions for preparedness for future epidemics.

Conclusion: While the pandemic disrupted health programmes and access to care, it also revealed opportunities to strengthen healthcare delivery. Strengthening the dedicated Ministry of Health department for epidemic preparedness and response is recommended.

Contribution: This study identifies areas for improvement in Uganda’s health system exposed by the COVID-19 pandemic. It informs public health preparedness efforts in Uganda and other African countries, aligning with the Journal’s focus on strengthening health systems in Africa.

Keywords

COVID-19; key stakeholder; pandemic; Uganda; implication

Sustainable Development Goal

Goal 3: Good health and well-being

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