By Diana N. Kintu
Kampala, Uganda – The Ministry of Health has launched a groundbreaking digital platform designed to revolutionise professional development for health workers across the country. The initiative, known as the Uganda Suprahub, is intended to enhance continuous learning, expand expert support and mentorship, and integrate specialist services into primary healthcare by harnessing modern virtual technology. Backed by investment from the U.S. Government, the platform is positioned to become a central pillar in Uganda’s health training ecosystem.
Announced through the Ministry’s official X account, @MinofHealthUG, the Suprahub builds on five years of progress in tele-mentoring, an approach that uses case-based virtual sessions to link frontline health workers with specialist clinicians in other locations. The system has now expanded into a robust national network incorporating 425 health facilities and 17 Regional Referral Hospital hubs. Additionally, six national hubs hosted at key institutions—including the AIDS Control Program, Butabika National Referral Mental Hospital, and the Makerere University School of Public Health—serve as major anchors supporting training and continuing professional development. Several professional councils have also aligned their activities with the platform, further widening its reach.
During the launch, Dr Olaro Charles, the Director General of Health Services, highlighted the scale of engagement the platform has already generated. He revealed that since October, more than 5,000 health workers have been participating in weekly national sessions. Despite many facilities being equipped with tele-mentoring tools, Dr Olaro noted that a significant number of health professionals continue to log in through personal laptops and mobile devices. This, he said, demonstrates the high level of enthusiasm among practitioners to benefit from expert guidance and strengthen their clinical skills.
According to Dr Olaro, the Uganda Suprahub is accelerating the integration of HIV and TB specialist services into primary healthcare delivery, helping facilities across the country access real-time expertise. This approach aims to standardise quality of care, improve patient outcomes, and ensure health workers in remote or under-resourced areas receive the same level of mentorship available in major urban centres.
The U.S. Ambassador to Uganda, William Popp, also praised the platform’s innovative model through a message shared on his official X page, @USAmbUganda. He described the Suprahub as a “low-cost, high-yield” system that maximises limited health resources by widening access to specialised knowledge. Ambassador Popp emphasised that by enabling experts to mentor many clinicians simultaneously, the platform significantly reduces delays in transferring critical information to the health workers who need it most. This, he said, strengthens the overall efficiency of the health system and supports Uganda’s broader efforts to improve care quality nationwide.
The launch of the Uganda Suprahub marks a major step in advancing digital health solutions in Uganda. It represents a strategic effort to overcome geographical and infrastructural barriers that have historically limited access to advanced training. By expanding virtual learning and mentorship across hundreds of facilities, the initiative is expected to enhance the competency of the health workforce and ensure more Ugandans receive timely, high-quality healthcare.
As the platform scales up, officials anticipate further enrolment from regional and national health institutions, with the long-term vision of creating a fully integrated, digitally supported health training network. The Suprahub stands as a promising example of how technology, strategic partnerships and sustained investment can help strengthen health systems and improve service delivery across the country.