• Social Services
• By: Ashiraf Zziwa

The Uganda Muslim Medical Bureau (UMMB), the medical arm of the Uganda Muslim Supreme Council (UMSC), has presented a comprehensive Strategic Development Plan for the next five-year period (2023-2027).
Muzamir Kivumbi, the Acting Executive Secretary of UMMB, led the presentation along with other UMMB staff members, including Mrs. Nakabugo Nooriat (HR & Training Manager), Mrs. Nansamba Rukia (Finance Manager), and Mr. Wobusimba Amiri (IT & Communications Officer). The plan was presented to the UMSC National Management Committee in a special sitting under the guidance of His Eminence Sheikh Muhammad Ali Waiswa, the 2nd Deputy Mufti in the office of Hon. Muhammad Ali Aluma, the UMSC Secretary General.
The plan outlined the background of UMMB, its current status, challenges, and future projections concerning Muslim-based healthcare facilities. Presently, UMMB operates healthcare services in 13 regions across the country, including Bunyoro, Ankore/Kigezi, Busoga, Elgon, Teso, Karamoja, Toro/Rwenzori, Ankoli, Lango, West Nile, Masaka, Bukedi, and Central. It oversees 69 health facilities, comprising five (5) General Hospitals, four (4) Health Centres 1Vs, 41 Health Centres (11s), 18 Health Centers (11s), and three Health Training Institutions for laboratory, Nurses, and Midwives.
Mr. Kivumbi highlighted the strategic direction for UMMB over the next five years, aiming for a vibrant Bureau with a well-built Secretariat and an adjacent, spacious Medical Store named Firdausi Medical Stores (FMS) responsible for medicine supplies and equipment. The plan includes increasing the network to over 125 health facilities, ensuring each region has at least one general hospital, and upgrading 80% of the existing Health Centres 11s to HC 111s by 2026, aligning with the Health Ministry’s policies.
Mr. Kivumbi called for support in terms of allocating land for constructing the UMMB Secretariat, establishing connections with developmental partners in the Muslim World, and fostering a close working relationship with the mother body, UMSC.
The Management committee welcomed the plan and suggested quarterly engagements to exchange ideas about health in the Muslim community. It was also resolved that UMSC would soon demarcate a plot near the Old Mosque for the construction of the UMMB Secretariat. Lastly, the Bureau was asked to submit project proposals to be presented to donors. The meeting was attended by Hon. Muhammad Ali Aluma, the UMSC Secretary General, along with other UMSC departmental heads.