Health care providers, especially nurses and midwives, have been urged to integrate soft care skills into their daily practice in order to improve service delivery and patient experience.
The call was made by Dr. Joseph Okware, Director of Governance and Regulations at the Ministry of Health, during the Second National Soft Skills in Health Care Conference 2026 held under the theme “Soft Skills and Soft Care at the Heart of Quality Care.”
Dr. Okware noted that while health workers are generally well trained in technical competencies, there is a growing need to place greater emphasis on empathy, communication, and professionalism.
He added that the ministry continues to receive complaints from patients regarding rude or unprofessional behaviour among some health workers.
The Deputy Registrar of the Uganda Nurses and Midwives Council, Stella Abigail Kisolo, emphasized that nurses and midwives must take a leading role in demonstrating soft care skills, given that they spend the most time with patients and significantly influence recovery and overall wellbeing.
Meanwhile, soft skills trainer and founder of the Little Winnie Foundation, Winnie Nabukeera, said that despite ongoing training efforts, concerns about poor attitude and customer care in the health sector persist.
She stressed the importance of continuous capacity building to close these gaps and improve service delivery.
By Our Reporter
23rd April 2026
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