In March 2020, Uganda came to a standstill when President Yoweri Museveni declared the country’s first lockdown to curb the spread of COVID-19. It was not until two years later that the last bunch of restrictions were lifted. Amidst chaos and confusion, streets fell silent, schools closed, and businesses faced an uncertain future.
Five years later, Uganda reflects on the impact of the pandemic. While significant strides have been made in healthcare, education, economic recovery, and mental health awareness, challenges remain. The key question now is whether these experiences have led to meaningful lessons.
The strain on Uganda’s healthcare system during the pandemic was immense. Hospitals faced severe shortages of critical supplies such as oxygen cylinders, intensive care unit beds, and personal protective equipment. The demand for healthcare professionals exceeded supply, leaving hospitals overwhelmed. Despite swift government and international responses, the crisis exposed vulnerabilities that required urgent attention.
The education sector faced unprecedented disruption. According to the Ministry of Education and Sports report 2022 over 73,000 education institutions were closed, affecting about 15 million learners and 548,000 teachers. A report by the Global Livingston Institute found that only 20% of children had access to technology for online learning, while 80% lacked even printed reading materials. Additionally, only 8% of rural households had access to electricity, compared to 71.2% in urban areas.
The economic impact was equally severe. Many businesses, especially in the informal sector, collapsed under lockdown restrictions. Jobs were lost, household incomes shrank, and GDP growth declined. The Uganda Economic Update reports that the country’s GDP contracted by 1.1% in 2020. Some entrepreneurs adapted by shifting to online operations and digital marketing, but many lacked access to these options. Government stimulus packages aimed at supporting struggling businesses were introduced, but bureaucracy and limited funding meant that many businesses did not benefit.
Alongside visible economic struggles, a mental health crisis unfolded. According to the WHO Report 2020, Uganda’s mental healthcare system was already weak before the pandemic. The country had only 47 psychiatrists, most based in Kampala, serving a population of 42 million. Mental health services remained concentrated around the capital. Lockdowns and financial stress contributed to rising levels of anxiety, depression, and domestic violence. Many people were forced to cope in isolation, with limited access to mental health support.
Despite these challenges, Uganda has made progress. The healthcare sector has seen increased investment in oxygen plants, improved emergency response mechanisms, and stronger training for healthcare professionals in managing infectious diseases. The Ministry of Health, with support from the WHO, conducted IPC training programs for 1,180 healthcare workers across 54 districts. These programs used a mentorship model, allowing trained professionals to pass on knowledge to peers, reaching even the most remote areas. However, sustaining these improvements requires long-term funding and commitment to avoid slipping back into pre-pandemic vulnerabilities.
Similarly, digital learning has gained attention, but significant gaps remain. Expanding internet access, improving electricity supply in rural areas, and training teachers in digital literacy are essential to prevent future educational disruptions. On the economic front, entrepreneurship has grown, with more Ugandans embracing digital platforms and mobile banking. However, small businesses still face barriers such as limited access to finance and regulations.
The growing recognition of mental health issues is another positive development, but much remains to be done. A hospital call center service now provides mental health information in two languages via interactive voice response and live calls with healthcare professionals and peer support workers.
Looking ahead, Uganda’s experience with COVID-19 has provided valuable lessons. Strengthening the healthcare system, investing in education, supporting small businesses, and prioritizing mental health are critical to building a more resilient nation. However, the real test lies in sustaining these improvements beyond the immediate crisis. Policymakers needs to act decisively to institutionalise these lessons, ensuring better preparedness for future crises. Strengthening governance, ensuring transparency in public funds, and fostering a culture of accountability will be crucial for long-term progress.
Overall, five years on, the scars of the pandemic remain, but they also offer an opportunity. By addressing the gaps exposed by COVID-19, Uganda can turn this crisis into a foundation for long-term transformation. The choices made now will determine whether the country moves forward or risks repeating past mistakes. The time to act is now.