As Uganda hosts the 2025 Association of Medical Councils of Africa (AMCOA) Conference at Speke Resort Munyonyo, Deputy Speaker of Parliament Thomas Tayebwa has issued an appeal to medical regulatory bodies across the continent to uphold integrity and maintain public trust in the face of growing healthcare demands.
Speaking at the official opening of the conference on Monday, Tayebwa emphasized that the credibility of healthcare systems across Africa hinges on the transparency, professionalism, and accountability of the regulatory authorities entrusted with overseeing the medical profession.
“It is important for medical councils to maintain public trust in their duties,” Tayebwa told delegates, adding that effective regulation is essential to addressing challenges such as medical tourism, a growing phenomenon on the continent that requires close oversight.
Tayebwa also appealed to universities and medical training institutions to increase the number of doctors being trained to help address the region’s worsening doctor-to-patient ratio—a key obstacle in delivering timely, quality healthcare services.
The AMCOA Conference, which has brought together medical council leaders, government officials, and healthcare regulators from across Africa, serves as a strategic platform for policy alignment, regulatory reform, and best practice sharing in health governance.
Riding on this momentum, Uganda’s Minister of Health, Dr. Jane Ruth Aceng, delivered a powerful keynote address urging regulators to expand their focus beyond patient safety to include health worker well-being, mental health support, and stronger workplace protections.
“While patient safety remains paramount, regulators must recognize that the welfare of doctors is a critical component of a safe and effective healthcare system,” Dr. Aceng stated.
She challenged regulatory bodies to evolve from being viewed as punitive enforcers to supportive institutions that promote both professional competence and emotional resilience among healthcare workers.
“Doctors may still perceive regulatory bodies primarily as punitive entities, which can hinder open communication about well-being issues,” she cautioned.
The Minister outlined a roadmap for reform, calling on regulators to prioritize: Safe and enforceable working environments, Mental health support free from stigma, Continuous professional development, Data-informed workforce policies and a shift in institutional culture toward empathy and support
“You have a duty to protect, promote, and maintain the health and safety of the public by ensuring proper standards of training and practice,” Dr. Aceng told the gathering.
Welcoming delegates to “the Pearl of Africa,” she praised AMCOA as a crucial forum for dialogue and transformation.
“We look forward to the outcomes and recommendations from this conference and the contribution it will make in strengthening our healthcare delivery systems.”
Prof. Joel Okullo, Chairperson of the Uganda Medical and Dental Practitioners Council, noted that the conference would focus heavily on the role and well-being of healthcare providers themselves.
“This event has convened medical professionals from the entire continent to discuss key issues affecting healthcare delivery in Africa,” he said.
With Uganda in the spotlight as host, this year’s AMCOA Conference comes at a time when health systems globally face rising expectations, rapid medical advancements, and an urgent need to rebuild trust between regulators, professionals, and the public they serve.
