The Permanent Secretary at Uganda’s Ministry of Health, Dr. Diana Atwine, today officially launched the country’s first National Rehabilitation and Assistive Technology Strategic Plan (NRAT-SP) 2025–2030, in a major step towards improving access to rehabilitation and assistive technology services nationwide.
The strategy, launched under the theme “Advancing Equitable Access to Quality Rehabilitation & Assistive Technology Services for All in Uganda,” is aimed at strengthening rehabilitation services and ensuring that persons with disabilities and other vulnerable groups can access quality assistive technology across all levels of healthcare.
Speaking during the launch, Dr. Atwine described the occasion as a significant milestone in Uganda’s efforts to strengthen rehabilitation and assistive technology services. She noted that the strategy has been under development for nearly five years under the leadership of the Ministry of Health’s Community Health Department and the Disability and Rehabilitation Division, working closely with various partners and stakeholders.
She explained that the development of the strategy was informed by the Systematic Assessment of Rehabilitation Situation (STARS), which identified major gaps and recommendations in the rehabilitation and assistive technology sector.
Dr. Atwine commended development partners including WHO, CHAI, ReLAB-HS, and other implementing partners for supporting Uganda’s rehabilitation agenda. She said the strategic plan is expected to improve service delivery in disability and rehabilitation services while positively impacting the lives of persons with special needs and the wider population.
She further emphasized that the Ministry of Health remains committed to achieving Universal Health Coverage under the principle of “leave no one behind,” adding that the strategy will help extend quality rehabilitation and assistive technology services throughout the health system.
The Permanent Secretary also urged stakeholders to continue working closely with the Ministry of Health to advance rehabilitation services and strengthen partnerships that support persons requiring rehabilitation and assistive technology.
Dr. Atwine concluded by officially launching the First National Rehabilitation and Assistive Technology Strategy 2025/26–2030/31 for implementation across all levels of care in Uganda.
