Uganda Diaspora Health Foundation (UDHF)

The Uganda Diaspora Health Foundation(UDHF) was established in 2011 to bring together the expertise of UK based Ugandan health professionals. Ongoing involvement and leadership in joint projects with East London Trust-Butabika Link helped to form the initial framework and work plan for UDHF.

The collaboration between UK/UG and UHF is born out of the need to strengthen the relationship between private sector in Uganda and the UK based Uganda private sector stakeholders providing a platform to share and showcase the contributions being made by the diaspora to the Uganda health system and opening up to opportunities for UK based investors seeking to support development and growth of the Uganda health sector.

UDHF is currently broadening its involvement with other health partnerships aiming to reduce health care inequalities, in communities in the UK and Uganda. The group is also actively seeking to enlist UK based and Ugandan members with the skills and expertise that reflect current health concerns and priorities in Uganda and the UK. Additionally, we are planning to engage in partnership work with civic health organizations in the UK and Uganda.

Mission

Our vision is to foster national and international development of culturally sensitive mental health care in the United Kingdom and Uganda by:

  • Building the capabilities, capacity, skills and leadership of mental health workers and other health staff through training and development.

  • Increasing the involvement of users and carers in the development of health services in both United Kingdom and Uganda.

Our current membership consists of UK based Ugandans with the following skills and experiences:

  • Individuals living with physical/mental health disabilities

  • Health professionals ranging from nurses, midwives, psychology graduates, occupational therapists, medical engineers, medical students and recovery support workers

  • Other members experienced in the private sector with expertise in accountancy, law, IT and business management

What we do

UDHF offers global research and cultural sensitivity consultation within the mental health context, with the view to break barriers.

Other activities of the Foundation include:

  • Implementation of agreed mental health programs
  • Advise on short and longer term priorities
  • Promoting mental health research
  • Awareness of mental health issues and promote social inclusion
  • Integrated approach to mental and physical health