Over 100 patients critical for kidney transplant services have been left unattended after the government failed to fully operationalize the Uganda Donor and Organ Transplant Council.
The council tasked with regulation, organization, and supervision of all national human organ, tissue, and cell donation and transplant activities has stalled its progress due to a pending government approval of Ugshs7.2 billion.
During a plenary session held on January 23, 2025, at parliament, Koboko MP Ayume directed a written question to Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja, seeking clarity on the government’s inaction regarding the council, which is tasked with overseeing all organ transplant activities in the country.
“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,” Ayume stated.
“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? he questioned.
Ayume’s concerns arose following an announcement made by the Minister of Health, Dr. Ruth Aceng, in April 2024, where she revealed a halt to all human organ transplant activities due to the government’s inability to allocate UGX 5 billion necessary to set the council’s function.
The Ministry of Health outlined that out of the required funds, UGX 3.6 billion is earmarked for training and benchmarking with other nations, while UGX 1.4 billion is allocated for the operational costs of the Organ Transplant Council.
Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja, in her response, acknowledged Ayume’s concerns but, however, argued that the council required a budget of Ugshs 7.2 billion and an additional Ugshs 5 billion, which was requested in this financial year by the Ministry of Health.
“When the funds are released by the Ministry of Finance, the Uganda organ donation and transplant council will be constituted,” she said.
She revealed that seven members have since been identified for consideration and appointment to the transplant council.
