Strengthening Health Management in Uganda’s Wakiso District

The researchers surveyed 60 health managers who run lower‑level government clinics in Wakiso District. Most of the managers were women, making up 61.7 % of the group. About three‑quarters had not received any formal induction into their roles, and more than six in ten said they felt little motivation to do their jobs.

Only a quarter of the managers showed strong leadership abilities, while just over a third demonstrated solid management skills. Scores for leadership ranged from 20.9 to 37.0, and management scores varied from 7.8 to 36.5. When asked which cognitive abilities mattered most, 65 % pointed to monitoring, 60 % to speaking, and 58 % to active listening. For interpersonal skills, coordination was top at 45 %, followed by instructing and social perceptiveness, each around 42 %.

In the business‑analysis area, financial management was highlighted by 63 % of respondents, logistic management by 57 %, and human‑resource handling by 53 %. Day‑to‑day actions often included fostering good relationships among staff (53 %), holding themselves and others accountable for facility goals (47 %), and creating a supportive work atmosphere (45 %). Overall, the picture showed a notable gap in leadership and management capabilities.

Because many managers lacked proper onboarding and ongoing learning, the study calls for structured induction programs and regular refresher courses. Introducing these training efforts is expected to lift performance, improve team dynamics, and strengthen health service delivery across the district.