STAKEHOLDERS’ SYMPOSIUM ON HEALTH COOPERATIVES IN UGANDA – A MILESTONE IN COOPERATIVE HEALTHCARE
On June 11, 2025, KAMACOS hosted its highly anticipated Stakeholders’ Symposium on Health Cooperatives in Uganda at the Kolping Hotel, Kampala. Under the global theme “Cooperatives Build a Better World – Showcasing Cooperatives’ Enduring Global Impact Everywhere,” the symposium brought together cooperative leaders, healthcare professionals, policymakers, development partners, and international dignitaries for a day of collaboration, knowledge exchange, and action planning.
Distinguished
international guests included Dr. J. Carlos Zarco Alonso, President of
the International Health Cooperative Organization (IHCO), and Mr. Jose Perez,
IHCO General Secretary. Dr. Zarco delivered the keynote speech, offering
a global perspective on the transformative role of health cooperatives and
sharing lessons from international best practices.
The event
was also honored by the presence of Hon. Gume Ngobi Fredrick, Minister
of State for Cooperatives, and Mr. Mpakibi Robert Waiswa, the Commissioner for Cooperative Development in Uganda, who both
commended KAMACOS’s leadership in advancing people-centered healthcare models
that align with national development goals.
Event Highlights
Morning
Session
- Arrival & Registration: Participants from across
Uganda and abroad gathered to network and exchange first impressions.
- Welcoming & Opening
Remarks:
KAMACOS leadership and representatives from the Ministry of Trade,
Industry, and Cooperatives (MTIC) officially opened the event, setting the
tone for cooperative-driven healthcare solutions.
- Keynote Address: Dr. J. Carlos Zarco’s
powerful address underscored the role of cooperative healthcare in
achieving universal health coverage, emphasizing community ownership, sustainability,
and innovation.
Knowledge-Sharing
Presentations
- Updates and case studies
from KAMACOS, Kisiizi Hospital, and Up-Country Health Cooperatives
showcased successful cooperative health models and innovative service
delivery approaches.
Panel
Discussions
Two engaging panels featured experts from IHCO, MTIC, Ministry of Health (MoH),
and KAMACOS,
covering:
- The role of health
cooperatives in achieving universal health coverage.
- Innovative strategies for
financial sustainability.
- Strengthening partnerships
in the cooperative ecosystem.
- Leveraging technology for
improved healthcare delivery.
- Policy and regulatory
challenges and opportunities.
- Building community awareness
and engagement.
Afternoon
Session
- Group Engagement &
Q&A:
Interactive discussions allowed stakeholders to share challenges, propose
solutions, and co-create actionable strategies.
- Stakeholders’ Action
Planning:
Participants committed to concrete next steps for expanding cooperative
health services and strengthening governance structures.
- Networking & Closing: The day concluded with
evening tea and networking, cementing partnerships formed during the
symposium.
Key Outcomes
- Strengthened commitment to
scaling up cooperative-based healthcare across Uganda.
- New partnerships forged
between local and international stakeholders.
- Action plans were developed for
digital integration, community outreach, and policy advocacy.
- Renewed emphasis on
empowering youth and women in cooperative health leadership.
Why This Symposium Matters
The event
underscored that cooperative healthcare is not just a service delivery
model—it is a movement rooted in community empowerment, inclusivity, and
sustainability. With the combined expertise of local leaders and global
partners, KAMACOS is positioning Uganda as a leader in cooperative-driven
health innovation.
As Dr. Dan Kagaha, Executive Chairperson of KAMACOS, noted in his closing remarks: “When communities own their health systems, they own their future. Today we have laid a stronger foundation for a healthier, more inclusive Uganda.”