Building off the findings from their analysis looking at the impact of COVID-19 on the use of essential reproductive, maternal, and child health services in Uganda, Dorit and colleagues are conducting a mixed-methods study to explore further reasons for subnational variation in the COVID-19 response and maintenance of essential health service delivery. Lessons learned will inform policy to design a resilient and adaptive health system in Uganda. Specific aims of the study are to (1) explore subnational variation across different dimensions of the COVID-19 response; (2) assess decision-making processes, structures, key actors, and use of evidence and their evolution during the COVID-19 response at national and subnational levels; and (3) develop policy recommendations for institutionalizing a learning/adaptive health system and governance of future emergencies.