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Dr. Ayume sought an explanation for the delay in constituting the council, which he said is crucial for saving lives and reducing the burden of medical tourism
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By Our Reporter
PARLIAMENT - Koboko Municipality MP, Dr. Charles Ayume, has raised alarm over the plight of more than 100 patients in Uganda awaiting kidney transplants. The delay stems from the government’s failure to operationalize the Organ Transplant Council, a body mandated to oversee organ transplant activities in the country.
In a written question to Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja during yesterday’s plenary sitting, Dr. Ayume sought an explanation for the delay in constituting the council, which he said is crucial for saving lives and reducing the burden of medical tourism. 
“There is currently a backlog of over 100 patients who need kidney transplant services. The only limitation is the appointment and operationalization of the Organ Transplant Council. When will the government constitute and operationalize the council to save lives and limit medical tourism, especially for those who cannot travel abroad for transplant services?” Dr. Ayume asked.
Government response
Prime Minister Nabbanja acknowledged the issue, revealing that UGX 7.2 billion is required to establish the council, with UGX 5 billion specifically requested for the current financial year.
“The budget requirement to effect the establishment of this council is UGX 7,297,185,357. Of this money, UGX 5 billion was requested this financial year by the Ministry of Health. When these funds are released by the Ministry of Finance, the Uganda Organ Donation and Transplant Council will be constituted. Seven members have since been identified for consideration for appointment,” Nabbanja explained.
Nabbanja
Delays in implementation
The concerns follow a directive in April 2024 by Health Minister Dr. Ruth Aceng to halt all organ transplant activities in Uganda due to a lack of funding for the council’s operationalization. At the time, the Ministry of Health indicated that UGX 3.6 billion was needed for training and benchmarking, while UGX 1.4 billion was required for the council’s operations.
The delays have left many patients with no alternative but to seek costly medical care abroad, which remains out of reach for the majority.
Dr Ruth Aceng
Implications and urgency
Dr. Ayume’s appeal highlights the dire need to address Uganda’s organ transplant capacity, which could reduce the financial burden on patients and improve survival rates for those in need.
As the government deliberates on releasing the required funds, the lives of over 100 patients remain in limbo, awaiting a long-overdue intervention.
Torch Media Africa
