The Director General of Health Services, Dr. Henry .G. Mwebesa, has emphasized the provision and access to health services of all people without discrimination.

According to a press statement released on August 8, 2023, the Constitution of the Republic of Uganda recognizes that health is a fundamental right and guarantees access to health services for all.

“The Ministry of Health is mandated to provide preventative, promote, curative and rehabilitative health services to all people in Uganda in their diversity without any form of discrimination,” the statement read in part.

The statement highlighted that, health service workers or health care providers should not deny services to any client who presents themselves  for services.

The statement prohibited health workers against discriminating or stigmatize any individual who seeks healthcare for any reason, for instance, gender, religion, tribe, socio-economic status or sexual orientation.

It further stated that, the patient’s rights and ethical valves like confidentiality, privacy, patient safety as stipulated in the patients charter should be upheld each time a patient seeks health care services at any facility.

Dr. Mwebesa noted that, the Anti-Homosexuality Act 2023, does not forbid any person from seeking medical services from a healthy facility.

He further stated that, all services should be provided in a manner that ensures safety, privacy and confidentiality to all clients that seek health services in public and private health facilities.

This follows several statements made against the Anti-Homosexuality Act 2023, which was assented to by President Museveni in May, that they assume is discriminative and against human rights including a right to medical care.