UMMB Meets Allied Health Professionals Council Registrar on Strategic Collaboration.

In an effort to enhance healthcare governance and elevate professional standards, the Uganda Muslim Medical Bureau (UMMB) held a high-level meeting with Mr. Nyamutale Peter, Registrar of the Allied Health Professionals Council, to discuss key topics including licensing, Continuing Professional Development (CPD) accreditation, and strategic partnership/ collaborations. This strategic engagement marks a crucial step toward aligning healthcare practices in Uganda with international standards of professional regulation.

Established in 1999, UMMB is a prominent umbrella organization that oversees a vast network of healthcare facilities founded by the Muslim communities across Uganda. Operating in line with Uganda’s national health policies, UMMB aims to provide quality healthcare services, especially in underserved and rural areas. The Bureau is a key player in strengthening Uganda’s healthcare delivery system, with its network comprising hospitals, health centers, and Health training institutions , all of which contribute to improving access to affordable, reliable, and professional healthcare services. UMMB’s mission is deeply rooted in the values of compassion, service, and excellence, with a strong emphasis on upholding the professional standards of healthcare practitioners.

During the meeting, Mr. Nyamutale outlined the mandate of the Allied Health Professionals Council, established under the Allied Health Professionals Act Cap. 268, which is tasked with regulating, supervising, and controlling the training and practice of allied health professionals in Uganda. The Council ensures public safety by maintaining up-to-date registers of licensed professionals, private health units, and accredited training institutions, which are published annually in the Uganda Gazette.

Mr. Nyamutale further expressed concern over the recent decline in quarterly engagements with medical bureaus, stressing the importance of such interactions for effective regulation and collaboration. He welcomed the opportunity to work closely with UMMB to revitalize these engagements and explore future partnerships.

Responding to Mr. Nyamutale, UMMB’s Executive Secretary Mr. Muzamiru Kivumbi praised the Council for its unwavering commitment to ensuring high professional standards across the healthcare sector. He affirmed UMMB’s commitment to reinitiating quarterly engagements with sister bureaus, as previously practiced, and addressed the need for greater inclusion of medical bureaus on the Council’s board. Mr. Kivumbi emphasized that medical bureaus play a vital role in healthcare delivery and should be considered stakeholders in regulatory discussions.

Mr. Wabusimba Amiri, UMMB’s Advocacy and Communication Specialist, raised pertinent concerns regarding the challenges posed by Uganda’s shift towards digital healthcare systems. He noted that while the digitization of licensing and renewal processes is a positive transformation, there is a critical need for capacity-building initiatives to help healthcare professionals navigate these new platforms. Mr. Wabusimba also advocated for UMMB’s formal accreditation as a CPD provider, highlighting that the Bureau is already delivering CPD programs to a large portion of its network, many of whom are registered with the Allied Health Professionals Council.

Adding to the discussion, Mr. Mugole Hamidu, UMMB’s Quality Assurance Program Officer and an active member of the Allied Health Professionals Council, invited Mr. Nyamutale to participate in UMMB’s upcoming Annual General Meeting (AGM). He noted that this event would provide a valuable platform for the Council to engage directly with UMMB members, share updates on regulatory changes, and offer training on the digital licensing system.

The meeting concluded with both parties reaffirming their commitment to strengthening collaboration. The Allied Health Professionals Council confirmed its participation in the upcoming UMMB AGM. This meeting highlights UMMB’s dedication to upholding high professional standards across its network and ensuring that healthcare professionals in Uganda are well-equipped to meet the demands of an evolving healthcare environment. By fostering closer collaboration with regulatory bodies, UMMB continues to position itself as a leader in advancing healthcare quality and accessibility, both nationally and in line with international best practices.

Compiled by:

Amiri Wabusimba

Advocacy and Communication Specialist/Membership Manager. 

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