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Ten years after the World Humanitarian Summit, localisation remains a key goal in global humanitarian aid. In this article, Charlotte, Mildmay UK’s International Programme Funding Manager, reflects on progress since the landmark summit and why funding, compliance systems, and global partnerships continue to shape who leads humanitarian work today. She also explains how Mildmay supports locally led healthcare through long-term partnerships.

Many of you will already have read about our recent visit to Uganda in our CEO,Geoff’s blog. which he concluded yesterday. Today, we’re sharing a complementary perspective from Mildmay trustee Dr Peter Brunskill, whose reflections underline why this work, and how we do it, really matters.

On his final days in Uganda, Geoff reflects on meetings with new partners, Programme Board progress, and visits to Mbale, Mbarara and Masaka — including identifying land for a future Mildmay health centre alongside palliative care partners. It’s a hopeful, practical glimpse of how relationships, local leadership and careful planning are shaping Mildmay Uganda’s next chapter.

We reflect on sector-wide uncertainty in international development and highlight the impact on frontline services. Our Uganda Health Programme aims to build five regional centres, strengthening community health, expanding specialist care, and building system resilience. With clear guidance, collaboration, and sustained investment, NGOs like Mildmay can deliver proven solutions where they are most needed.

Mildmay’s CEO is joined by some of our trustees in Uganda, working with our partners to advance our new specialist health centre in Mbale, the first in a network expanding access to integrated care. Their visit includes strategic planning, partnership meetings and budget work to move the programme from planning to mobilisation.

Mildmay Uganda leaders visited London to share strategic priorities and deepen partnerships. We’re collaborating with Mildmay Uganda Hospital, the British High Commission, and the Ugandan Ministry of Health to expand integrated, community‑centred care. A pilot regional health centre in Mbale is planned for 2026, advancing HIV care, health systems, and livelihoods. We’re seeking capital and philanthropic support to bring care closer to home.

USAID, once the world’s largest bilateral donor, has been effectively dismantled, leaving millions without vital support and slashing funds for global health programmes. With the Global Fund also facing deep cuts, organisations like Mildmay are stepping up. Our new Uganda Health Programme will rebuild and expand care, but we need your support to make it possible.

Support the Education Exchange Programme: fund UK clinicians to gain life-changing experience in Uganda, strengthen local healthcare, and bring back skills that benefit patients and the NHS at home. Every donation helps save lives abroad and at home.

We were delighted to welcome Dr Joseph Mwaka from the Mildmay Institute of Health Sciences in Uganda—the first-ever visitor from Mildmay Uganda to our UK hospital. His visit marks a long-overdue moment of connection between our two organisations. As we look ahead to new health projects in Uganda, we hope this signals the beginning of a deeper, ongoing exchange.

Since 1998, we’ve been actively involved overseas, notably in Uganda, where we’ve dedicated efforts to support vulnerable children and adolescents through supporting Mildmay Uganda’s Universal Fund.