A strong emergency care system begins with a well-prepared workforce. At the Emergency Care Association of Uganda (ECAU), training and capacity building lie at the heart of our mission to reduce preventable deaths and ensure every Ugandan receives timely, high-quality emergency care. ECAU leads capacity building by delivering practical, hands-on training tailored to Uganda's diverse settings. From urban ERs in Kampala to remote health centers in Karamoja. We prioritize programs that address real gaps, ensuring every participant leaves ready to act.
Our training programs are designed to transform knowledge into lifesaving action. We equip healthcare workers with the practical skills, confidence, and clinical judgement required to manage emergencies across all levels of the health system — from community health centers to national referral hospitals. Since launch, we've trained over 1,200 providers across 18 districts, reducing response times and preventable deaths. This isn't just education – it's the foundation of a national emergency care movement where every Ugandan has a skilled responder nearby.
How We Help People
Key activities
Running regular Emergency Medicine conferences, workshops, and Continuing Professional Development (CPD) courses accredited by the Uganda Medical and Dental Practitioners Council.
Offering specialized courses such as Basic Life Support (BLS), Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS), Trauma Life Support (ITLS/ATLS equivalents adapted for Uganda), and Pediatric Emergency Assessment and Recognition Treatment (PEARS).
Supporting the establishment and growth of Emergency Medicine residency programs (e.g., at Makerere University and Mbarara University of Science and Technology) and emergency nursing specialties.
Training non-physician clinicians, clinical officers, and nurses who form the majority of the workforce in rural facilities to manage emergencies competently.
Developing free or low-cost e-learning modules and training manuals in local languages to reach providers in hard-to-access areas.
Mentorship programs that pair experienced emergency practitioners with those in district hospitals.
Our Training Imapct
Through these activites, ECAU contributes to:
Reduced preventable deaths
Improved emergency unit efficiency
A growing workforce of trained, confident providers
Strengthening Uganda’s overall emergency care system
Core Training Programs We Offer
Below is an overview of the types of training ECAU delivers under this pillar:
