Integrating Palliative Care into Uganda's Health System: A Policy Analysis and Stakeholder Perspectives, 2021–2026

This study examines the policy landscape and stakeholder perspectives on integrating palliative care into Uganda’s national health system. Palliative care is critically needed to address the growing burden of non-communicable diseases and HIV/AIDS, yet its systematic integration remains inconsistent. A sequential, explanatory mixed-methods design was employed. First, a structured desk review analysed national health policies, strategic plans, and budgetary allocations (2021–2026) for palliative care content and commitments. Subsequently, a cross-sectional survey was administered to 150 purposively sampled stakeholders, including policymakers, healthcare providers, and civil society representatives, to capture their perspectives on barriers and enablers to integration. Quantitative survey data were analysed descriptively, while qualitative responses from open-ended questions underwent thematic analysis. Findings reveal that while palliative care is acknowledged in policy documents, implementation is hindered by inadequate dedicated funding, fragmented service delivery, and a severe shortage of trained personnel. Stakeholder surveys demonstrated strong consensus on the necessity of a dedicated national palliative care policy and increased domestic resource allocation. The study concludes that strategic integration requires moving beyond policy recognition to actionable, funded implementation plans. This research underscores the urgent need for Ugandan health systems to prioritise palliative care as a core component of universal health coverage, advocating for strengthened political commitment and sustainable financing to translate policy into equitable practice.