A Private Nursing Health Unit License is a mandatory authorization issued by the Uganda Nurses and Midwives Council (UNMC) to qualified nurses and midwives who wish to operate a private nursing unit or maternity home. The license ensures that private health units maintain professional medical standards and are supervised by certified medical practitioners to protect community health and safety.
Procedure
Step 1: Visit the Uganda Nurses and Midwives Council
Go to the Uganda Nurses and Midwives Council (UNMC) head office in Kawempe Division, Kampala, to obtain Form C, the official application form for a nursing health unit license.
Step 2: Complete the Application Form
Fill in the form accurately and attach all necessary supporting documents. The application must comply with the Council’s Licensing Board Regulations. Incomplete submissions will not be processed.
Step 3: Submit the Application
Submit the completed Form C and all relevant documents to the Licensing Board at UNMC. A non-refundable license application fee of UGX 180,000 must be paid at this stage.
Step 4: Inspection and Verification
Within 5 days of receipt, the Licensing Board will conduct an inspection of the proposed nursing unit to assess compliance with operational, health, and safety standards. A detailed report is then submitted to the Council for review.
Step 5: Review and Approval
After evaluating the application, if all conditions are met, the Council will authorize registration and issue the license for the nursing health unit or maternity home.
If the registrar finds that a registered medical practitioner is not available for supervision, the application may be rejected until this requirement is fulfilled.
Step 6: Notification and Issuance
Once approved, the Council will notify the applicant in writing within 7 days, publish the nursing unit details in the Uganda Gazette, and issue the official license.
If the application is denied, the Council provides written reasons for refusal.
Step 7: Renewal
The license is valid for one year and must be renewed annually upon payment of the renewal fee of UGX 50,000.
Required Documents
- Registration certificate or professional ID
- Proof of payment for the private practice license
- Private practice book (to be stamped)
- Original and copies of qualification certificates
- Private license for the unit
- Previous renewal receipt (if applicable)
- Certificates and receipts from supervising medical practitioners
Office Locations & Contacts
Uganda Nurses and Midwives Council – Head Office
Mukubira Zone, Kawempe Division, Kampala
P.O. Box 4046, Makerere Road, Uganda
Email: [email protected] | [email protected]
Website: www.unmc.ug
Eligibility
- Applicants must be registered or enrolled midwives or nurses.
- The nursing unit must operate under the supervision of a registered medical practitioner in the same locality.
Fees
| Type of Fee | Amount (UGX) |
|---|---|
| Application Fee | 180,000 |
| Renewal Fee | 50,000 |
All payments are non-refundable and made to the Uganda Nurses and Midwives Council Licensing Board.
Validity
The license is valid for one year from the date of issue and must be renewed annually.
Processing Time
The maximum processing period is 7 working days after submission and inspection.
Required Information
- Full name of applicant
- Date of birth and ID number
- Postal address and contact details
- Email address
- Qualifications and certification details
- Declaration of compliance
Need for the Document
The Nursing Health Unit License ensures that all private nursing homes and maternity clinics in Uganda are properly regulated and operate under approved health standards. It protects patients by guaranteeing that only qualified practitioners deliver medical care in private facilities.
Additional Information
- All private nursing units must register with the Uganda Medical and Dental Practitioners Council.
- Non-compliance or failure to renew the license can result in penalties, closure, or withdrawal of authorization.
- Supervision by a medical practitioner is mandatory for operational approval.
READ MORE: How to Apply for a Private Domiciliary Clinic License in Uganda
