Kerman University of Medical Sciences International Journal of Health Policy and Management 2322-5939 12 Issue 1 2023 12 01 Health Financing Reforms in Uganda: Dispelling the Fears and Misconceptions Related to Introduction of a National Health Insurance Scheme; Comment on “Health Coverage and Financial Protection in Uganda: A Political Economy Perspective” 1 3 4281 10.34172/ijhpm.2022.7348 EN Robert K. Basaza School of Medicine, Uganda Christian University, Mukono, Uganda School of Public Health, Gudie University Project, Kampala, Uganda 0000-0003-3220-5548 Prossy K. Namyalo Institution of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada Faculty of Social Sciences, Ndejje University, Kampala, Uganda Boniface Mutatina College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda Journal Article 2022 04 23 <span class="fontstyle0">Uganda introduced health financing reforms that entailed abolition of user fees, and in due process planned to introduce a National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS). This paper accentuates a contextual and political-economic analysis that dispels the fears and misconceptions related to introduction of the insurance scheme. The Grindle and Thomas model is used to depict how various factors affect decision making by policy elites concerning a particular policy at a particular time. Drawing lessons from the sub-Sahara region and in particular, Ghana and Rwanda’s experience, it is clear that the political will of the executive led by the president in many countries is a key determinant in bringing about health reforms. In this paper, we provide insights based on contextual and political-economic analysis to countries in similar setting that are interested in setting up NHISs.</span> https://www.ijhpm.com/article_4281_70bd2a907e68ce3cc3468a9ae41e63ff.pdf