The Alliance Lift is a series that spotlights the journeys of Alliance alumni shaping health systems around the globe. In this Q&A, we meet Dr Eric Ssegujja, a leading public health researcher and educator based at Makerere University in Uganda. He has deep experience across adolescent and maternal health, health taxes, urban health and knowledge systems.
In this interview, also available as video and podcast, Eric reflects on his professional journey, the importance of theory and methods in health policy and systems research (HPSR), and what the future holds for the field.
Learning from the past
Q: When you think back on your journey in health policy and systems research, what comes to mind?
What comes to mind is that it's really important to do something you’re passionate about and do it diligently. In HPSR, methods are critical. Having a good framework is important. Having a good theory is important. That’s what stands out to me.
Q: If you had to describe your early career in just three words, what would they be, and why?
Hands-on beginning. I didn’t start out as a health policy and systems researcher. I became one through the work I was doing and the networks I was part of. I worked on a project led by Professor Peter Waiswa that aimed to strengthen the capacity of district health managers for evidence-based planning. That project looked at both the supply side – service delivery – and the demand side – getting communities involved.
We developed a bottleneck analysis tool that helped identify what was preventing services from being delivered. Before that, district workplans would carry over unimplemented activities year after year without addressing the root causes. Bottleneck analysis changed that and is now part of routine planning nationwide.
Q: You participated in the Partnerships for Stronger Knowledge Systems in Africa (KNOSA) inception meeting in Addis Ababa. What stood out to you from that experience of collaborating with teams across East Africa?
That was a methodology harmonization meeting, and it stood out because HPSR brings together people from all sorts of disciplines – clinicians, public health professionals, sociologists, journalists, even engineers. So, you get different approaches to tackling complex health challenges.
What really stuck with me is how important it is to get your methods, frameworks and theories right. It goes two ways: you can either get lost in your own methods or the methods can lose you along the way. The other teams that we met in Ethiopia had interesting approaches, and it was a good chance to learn and grow.
Q: You also worked on a project supported by the Alliance on sustaining effective coverage after donor transitions, which feels particularly relevant at the moment. Can you share more about that?
I appreciate how forward-looking the Alliance was in launching that project. It came before some of the big shifts we’re seeing now in global health funding. Our team looked at two case studies in Uganda – one on maternal and child health, and another on HIV/TB services.
We found that while the government could absorb maternal health services after donor funding ended, it struggled with HIV services. It was the same government, same commitment – but different outcomes. That’s a crucial lesson in planning for sustainable transitions.
Living in the present
Q: You work on health systems management and policy, with a focus on reproductive health and health taxes. How has your earlier journey shaped the way you work today?
My work now revolves around teaching, research and community service. The research I conduct shapes how and what I teach – I bring in real examples from the field. And just like someone took a chance on me, I try to support passionate students early – involving them in research even before they graduate.
Community service in this context isn’t just about working in communities. It also means engaging with health managers, policy-makers and legislators – sharing evidence and helping them make informed decisions.
Q: You've mentored more than 50 students. What’s been the most rewarding part of that work?
One thing that really stands out is how many students go beyond what's expected. Publishing in a peer-reviewed journal isn’t required for their degree, but quite a few take that initiative. That kind of motivation really inspires me, and I do everything I can to help them succeed.
Q: What do you see as the key to turning research into real-world policy or programming?
That’s exactly what we’re working on in KNOSA. It is one aspect to generate knowledge, but it's also another aspect to generate interest in the knowledge that you've generated. To make sure that the utility of that knowledge is really addressing real-world challenges. Whether it’s health managers or policy-makers, I try to make sure our findings get into their hands and inform their decisions.
Levelling up for the future
Q: If I were a student in your class and asked for advice about starting out in health policy and systems research, what would you say?
Find a mentor who shares your interests and is willing to support you. And if it’s not the right fit, don’t be afraid to keep looking. The alignment matters.
Q: What emerging ideas or trends in health policy and systems research are you most excited about?
What I would emphasize is the responsible use of artificial intelligence in health systems and policy research. That's the next hot topic. In the past, we relied on each other – you’d ask another human when you hit a wall. Now, artificial intelligence tools are right there in your hand. What excites me is the potential of AI – but what matters most is using it responsibly. We can’t lose the human face of this work. But if we match technology with sound methods and a strong ethical foundation, it can move the field forward.
Q: Any final thoughts?
Two things: First, make sure your theory, framework and methods align with your topic. That’s foundational. And second, embrace artificial intelligence – but do so responsibly. If we start well, we’ll go far.
