The Uganda National Midwives and Nurses Union (UNMU), with support from the Democracy at Work Fund, has successfully completed the mapping of private hospitals in the Greater Kampala Metropolitan Area. This activity is part of a broader project titled Organizational Strengthening through Member Engagement, which aims to improve the organization, representation, and advocacy for the rights of nurses and midwives across the country. 

The exercise was led by a team of four union officials, headed by UNMU President Cherop Justus Kiplangat, along with Baligasima Yazidi, Programs Officer. Birungi Annet, General Secretary , and Moses Elocu, Union Records Officer, also took part in the initiative. 
 

Methodology 
 

The mapping team was formally introduced to hospitals through official introduction letters issued by UNMU. Following this, meetings were coordinated with senior nursing officers at the selected hospitals. During these meetings, the team conducted interviews with staff and gathered data on the number of nurses and midwives, as well as key contact information. 

Additionally, the team accessed records from the Allied Health Professionals Council, which enabled the identification of medical clinics employing five or more nurses. This information was organized into two tables summarizing the findings of the mapping exercise. 
 

Objective
 

This mapping initiative was expected to enable UNMU to strengthen its digital organizing platform, improve member representation, and plan outreach visits targeting over 200 private hospitals. The project also includes training workshops, development of educational materials, database updates, and monitoring and evaluation activities with union leaders. 
 

Outcomes
 

Through this effort, UNMU reaffirms its commitment to empowering nurses and midwives in Uganda by promoting fairer working conditions and a stronger, more unified union structure. 

The mapping team visited 19 hospitals licensed by the Ministry of Health and found that these facilities employ around 3,400 nurses and midwives. Senior nursing officers expressed interest in having their staff join UNMU and offered their support. Each hospital was asked to nominate at least 15 nurses and midwives to attend a meeting on 25th October 2024. UNMU reports that 170 nurses and midwives attended the meeting, and 70 officially joined UNMU that day.
 

Uganda nurses day celebration
 

Uganda celebrated International Nurses Day 2025 in Kumi District from May 21st to 23rd under the theme “Nursing Power to Change the World.” The three-day event brought together nurses and midwives from across the country, alongside international guests, to honor the critical role nurses play in healthcare. Key highlights included the Annual Delegates Conference, a Scientific Conference, and the main celebration on May 23rd, which was graced by the Vice-President of Uganda, H.E. Jessica Alupo, as Guest of Honor. International participation was strong, with representatives from nurses’ unions in Botswana, Ghana, Kenya, South Sudan, Gambia, and Hong Kong in attendance. Mirana Andriarisoa from Fundación Avina also joined as an international guest. The celebrations reflected both national and global appreciation for the dedication, resilience, and impact of the nursing profession.