Assessing telehealth needs to develop a mobile telehealth application for rural communities; a case study of Ntungamo district
Ndejje University Journal Of Interdisciplinary Studies,
Volume 2, Issue 1 [March 2026]
eISSN::3079-7683
DOI: https://doi.org/10.64080/ndujis.2026.1.1.March009
1.Justus Nuwagaba, Clarke International University; jnuwagaba@ciu.ac.ug, ORCID: 0009-0007-2257-3335
2.Martha Kibukamusoke; Ndejje University Uganda; marthakibumo24@gmail.com, ORCID: 0000-0002-6132-045X
3.Alex Abal, Clarke International University; aabal@ciu.ac.ug, ORCID: 0009-0008-8139-5425;
4.Ambrose Arinaitwe, Cavendish university; ambro93@gmail.com, ORCID: 0000-0003-4349-324X;
5.Patience Atukunda, Clarke International University; patukunda@ciu.ac.ug, ORCID: 0009-0006-3265-2240
Abstract
The advancement of technology has revolutionized various sectors, including healthcare, where telehealth has emerged as a significant innovation. Telehealth is the use of electronic information and telecommunication technologies providing care and services at a distance. This has shown tremendous potential in enhancing healthcare delivery. Rural communities face unique healthcare challenges, which lead to disparities in healthcare access and outcomes compared to urban populations. Telehealth offers a promising solution to bridge these gaps by providing remote consultations, continuous patient monitoring, and access to specialist services without the need for extensive travel. This study explored the development and implementation of telehealth services in Ntungamo District, focusing on enhancing community knowledge, identifying suitable access approaches, assessing the adoption of telehealth, and integrating these services into the local healthcare system. Using the qualitative approach, respondents were purposively identified and data collected through interviews and focus group discussions as well as analyzed using thematic exploration. The findings show respondent’s willingness to use telehealth services but hindered by poor network coverage, concerns of keeping personal information private and the lack of features permitting user to access services off line. It was recommended the need for strong government policies that permit integration of complementary health services.

























