The need to improve access to palliative care remains a critical priority in Uganda and beyond, and education and training are central to achieving this goal. 

In line with this need, we conducted a series of capacity-strengthening initiatives during the first quarter of 2026, targeting both pre-service and in-service health professionals across the country and beyond. 

On 4th February 2026, PCAU hosted 16 students from seven African countries participating in the Francophone Initiators Course at the Institute of Hospice and Palliative Care in Africa. The experiential learning visit provided valuable insights into the role of national associations in advancing palliative care, particularly in collaboration with government ministries and key stakeholders. 

This was followed by a Continuous Medical Education (CME) session on 11th February 2026, which focused on the continuum of care for patients with palliative care needs. The session emphasized holistic patient assessment and effective management of pain and other symptoms to improve quality of life. A total of 47 healthcare professionals participated, including doctors, nurses, and allied health staff. 

Further efforts to strengthen pre-service education were demonstrated on 25th February 2026, when PCAU delivered a guest lecture to 268 students at St. Michael Rubaga Hospital Training School. We are grateful to the training school for the opportunity to interact with the students and tutors.