“THANKS TO THE MOBILE CLINICS, WE NOW HAVE ANOTHER CHANCE TO LIVE HEALTHIER LIVES”

When Majaiti Erukana, 39, walked past Sidani Church of Uganda that morning, he never expected to find a lifeline waiting for him.

A mobile clinic something he had once heard about from a village health team but long forgotten was right there, set up and buzzing with activity. For the Nagwere resident, it felt like a stroke of luck at just the right time.

Organized by the Uganda Youth and Adolescents Health Forum (UYAHF) under the German Doctors funded Inclusive and Equitable Health Care Services (IEHS) project, the mobile clinic is held quarterly to reach under served communities with essential medical services.

“Today, I’m so excited,” he said. “While returning from the market, I noticed the tents and came closer to see what was happening. When the nurses explained that they were treating patients, I didn’t hesitate. I joined immediately.”

For the past five months, Majaiti has suffered and endured severe pain in his hip, back, and lower abdomen, along with constant headaches. During the clinic visit, his blood pressure was checked and found to be dangerously high.

“I rarely go to health facilities,” he admitted. “And even when we want to go, we often don’t have money for medication. That’s when conditions get worse. I’m grateful that they discovered the high blood pressure in time and gave me medicine.”

Majaiti was also screened for a urinary tract infection (UTI), but the doctor advised that he return with his wife for further tests.

“It hurts me that she won’t receive treatment now,” he said. “The journey is long, and I wish they could give us medicine for both of us. But I understand they need to check her first.” Despite the challenges, Majaiti’s voice is filled with hope.

“I am so happy and grateful to the German doctors who brought this clinic to our village. It would have been difficult for us to reach a health facility. This is a great opportunity for people like us. Your service means everything to us and now, we have hope for a better, healthier life.”

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EMPOWERING WOMEN, SAVING LIVES: ZAINA’S STORY OF COURAGE AND CARE

The story of 21-year-old Tigulawo Zaina from Sidani village speaks volumes about the urgent need for health education and accessible reproductive health services in rural Uganda. Like many young women, Zaina faced challenges that left her vulnerable, uninformed, and overwhelmed by motherhood at a tender age.

At just 21 years old, Tigulawo Zaina of Sidani village is already a mother of four. Her life is a portrait of resilience, painted with the challenges of early motherhood, poverty, and limited access to reproductive health services.

Zaina first became pregnant at 14 a childhood cut short by responsibilities far beyond her years. Now, two of her children are battling malnutrition, a direct consequence of un spaced pregnancies and lack of sufficient food.

“I didn’t plan to have children this way,” she shares in a low tone. “But I didn’t get the chance to grow before I had to raise someone else.”

After the birth of her first child, Zaina tried to take charge of her reproductive health and sought out family planning. However, complications followed. “I used to have constant back pain, weight loss, and severe headaches,” she recalls. “Everyone in the village was advising me to stop. I went back to the health facility and they removed the implants.”

Her story mirrors that of many young mothers across the region, where myths, health side effects, and lack of spousal support create major barriers to family planning. “I wanted to give my children a better life,” Zaina says, “but I didn’t know where to turn for help after I got sick.”

Without supportive systems both at home and within health services young women like Zaina are left to face impossible choices alone. Her voice is a plea, not only for food and medical care, but for a society that empowers women with education, support, and choices.

After experiencing health complications with family planning, Zaina discontinued her contraceptive method without fully understanding the cause of her symptoms. “I think I was impatient. I listened to people’s misconceptions and rushed to remove the implants,” she admits. “But I’m grateful that during my antenatal visits, the health workers encouraged me to breastfeed my baby. That support gave me hope again.”

Her third child, three-year-old Kisoferi Yona, has been suffering from malaria and chronic otitis media since January 2025. With no money and no effective help from the already distant government health facility, Zaina resorted to using local herbs but Yona’s condition worsened. “He stopped eating. I was deeply troubled and didn’t know what to do,” she shared, burdened by the added responsibility of caring for a four-month-old infant and two other children.

Living far from any health center, Zaina faced the heartbreaking task of carrying two children on long journeys in search of treatment. But hope arrived through our integrated health community outreaches under the Inclusive and Equitable Health Services (IEHS) project supported by German Doctors.

“The team helped me with malaria treatment, medicine for his ear infection, and a referral to receive food rations from the health facility,” Zaina explains. “My child used not to sleep well at night, and that weighed heavily on me. But now, I’m happy he’s finally getting better.”

Her story is a powerful reminder of the impact that community-based health interventions can have especially when they go beyond treatment and offer education, empathy, and empowerment.

Without proper information, Zaina’s early decisions were driven by fear and misinformation. Her journey underscores the urgent need to strengthen health education programs, especially for young women in underserved communities, so they can make informed choices about their bodies and families.

Zaina’s voice is one of hundreds being heard through the IEHS project intervention, not only healing bodies, but restoring dignity and hope to families who need it most.

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SUPPORTING YOUNG MOTHERS TO ACCESS MATERNAL HEALTH SERVICES; MEET CATHERINE

“The stigma and harsh treatment I faced from health workers during my first pregnancy made me give birth to my second child at home. I never thought I would ever set foot in a health facility again, but now, I feel there’s hope ” Says Hatono Catherine, a 19-year-old mother of two from Busaba sub-county, Butaleja District.”

Catherine’s story relates to many adolescent girls in Butaleja districts where girls as young as 12 years become mothers due to limited access to health services due to lack of knowledge about sexual and reproductive health (SRH), distance to health facilities, and the pervasive stigma surrounding SRH. According to the 2024 Uganda Health Demographic Survey released by UBOS in March 2024, the Bukedi region, which includes Butaleja, has the highest rate of teenage pregnancies standing at 25.1%. Additionally, a report published by the Daily Monitor on March 5, 2021, revealed that 5,200 teenagers in Butaleja had been impregnated of over two years.

“In our community, talking about sexuality education is considered shameful,so we never got the information we needed especially during the puberty stage.”

Her experience highlights the need for SRH awareness and stigma-free conversations in underserved communities to empower girls and prevent teenage pregnancies.

Her experience highlights the need for SRH awareness and stigma-free conversations in underserved communities to empower girls and prevent teenage pregnancies.

Catherine’s transformation began when she attended a Young Mothers’ Forum (YMF) session organized by the Uganda Youth and Adolescents Health Forum (UYAHF) under the Youth Champions Challenging SRH Stigma project. These sessions equipped her with essential

knowledge about personal hygiene, safe motherhood principles, and more. Today, she is a beacon of courage and guidance for young mothers and adolescent girls in her community.

Young Mothers Forums (YMF) is a platform that brings together young mothers, young fathers, pregnant teenage girls, adolescent girls from underserved communities who are at risk of becoming teenage mothers, and adolescents in their diversities to share knowledge, experiences, unlearn, and learn critical SRH issues and principles of safe motherhood and link them to maternal health services at health facilities. The YMF sessions provided a safe space for young mothers to share their health experiences and challenges, including SRH stigma and most notably the unwelcoming attitudes of health workers while they seek services at the health facility.

“Health workers would judge us for getting pregnant at a young age,” Catherine explained. “They wouldn’t even listen to our concerns, which made many of us avoid the health facilities.”

Determined to break this long-standing health service access barrier, Catherine became a bridge between the health workers and the young mothers. She reached out to one of the mid- wives at Busaba Health Center III, Sister Twanza Esther to engage with her on how to support the adolescents so as to easily access SHR services and encourage young mothers to turn up for antenatal care and postnatal care. This meeting cultivated mutual understanding, leading to a commitment from health workers to adopt a youth-friendly approach when dealing with adolescents and young people.

“My discussion with Catherine made me realize that our communication with the young people was creating barriers instead of building trust,” admitted Esther from the facility. “The session helped us see things from the young mothers’ perspective, and we’re now more intentional about being supportive.”

Empowering Peer Support

Catherine has now become a focal peer mother at Busaba Health centre III. She works with the health facility to ensure young mothers receive Adolescent Sexual Reproductive Health services. Additionally, she also holds weekly sessions every Thursday for young mothers and adolescent girls, including those who come for antenatal care at the health facility. These sessions cover topics such as Personal Hygiene, menstruation, Contraception and family planning, Immunization, antenatal care, nutrition, and baby care among others.

“Having someone who understands what we go through makes it easier to seek help, our sessions with the support of the peer mother have helped me attend all my antenatal visits. I now don’t fear health workers, they treat us well” said Mary, a 17-year-old expectant mother adding that “The peer mother listens without judging, and she’s always ready to guide us.”

The weekly sessions have become a safe space where young mothers and adolescent girls feel heard, supported, informed, and encouraged to embrace their health and that of their babies prompting more young mothers to visit the health facility, as health workers report a more positive atmosphere during consultations.

“I wasn’t sure about immunizing my baby, but after Catherine’s session, I took him to the health centre. Now I know it’s the right thing to do,” says Shakira, another young mother.

Catherine’s work has gone beyond just imparting knowledge, it’s breaking the SRH stigma that often surrounds young mothers and adolescent girls in the community. Her efforts have inspired not only young mothers but adolescents to take charge of their health and make informed decisions.

“I’m proud to see the impact these sessions have created,” Catherine says with a smile. “The young mothers are more confident, and they are taking steps to prevent unintended pregnancy, and ensure better health for themselves and their children.”

Through the support of UYAHF and her determination, Catherine has turned her personal growth into a community movement, proving that with the right knowledge and encouragement, young mothers can thrive and inspire others to do the same.

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SUPPORTING GIRLS TO OWN THEIR MENSTRUAL HEALTH JOURNEY

“I No Longer Miss School Because of My Period”, A Story of Hope from our Girls Dignity Club.”

When a 14 year old Shafiga, stood in front of her fellow pupils at Buzalangizo primary school, she spoke with confidence and pride:

“I used to stay home every time I got my period because I was scared, shy, and struggled to access pads. But through the Girls Dignity Club, I have learned how to manage my menstruation and speak up for myself. I now know how to track my menstrual cycle, use and safely dispose of sanitary pads, and maintain proper hygiene during her period. I also know where to access pads and no longer afraid to ask for help when needed.”revealed Shafiga, a primary six pupil at Buzalangizo primary school.

Her bold testimony was shared during our Post-Menstrual Hygiene Day engagements in the school moved everyone in the room. Held from 11 to 13 June 2025, in commemoration of the global observance of Menstrual Hygiene Day (May 28), the engagements were part of a larger movement by the Uganda Youth and Adolescents Health Forum to make menstrual conversations and support continuous and not just a one-day affair.

The Post-Menstrual Hygiene Day engagements held under our Girls Opportunity Alliance funded Giving Girls Voice Choice and Control project targeted pupils and teachers from Jewa, Buzalangizo and Bubyangu primary schools and students of Bufumbo Secondary School, with a two-pronged approach including, empowering learners especially adolescent girls through peer-led sessions, creative performances, and safe conversations on periods and equipping teachers with the National Menstrual Health Guidelines and practical approaches and strategies for implementation within their school environments.

Girls Take the Lead: From Silence to Stage

In the different schools, the pupils and students especially those part of   the Girls Dignity Clubs, shared their incredible experience being part of the club. They shared stories of how the club weekly sessions, have helped them overcome fear, stigma, and misinformation surrounding menstruation among other SRH issues, challenges, they faced before the project came to their schools.   The sessions majorly focused on, key menstrual hygiene concepts, including pain/cramps management, proper disposal, cleanliness and personal hygiene during period, utilizing available materials for those who cannot access disposable sanitary pads and    referral channels.  One of the most inspiring parts of the day came when members of the Girls Dignity Club at Buzalangizo primary school took the stage to perform poems around child marriage and menstrual hygiene.

Through the poem, they highlighted the twin challenges of child marriage and menstrual hygiene, often deeply linked to the communities. Through their poem, they echoed the realities many girls face during periods like stigma, the fear of being mocked or labeled dirty, reinforcing harmful beliefs that menstruating girls are unclean. For some, the fear extends into the home afraid to speak up about their period needs, lest they are met with silence or ignorance. In the most vulnerable households, this fear pushes girls into unsafe and exploitative situations, such as engaging in transactional sex to afford pads a practice that increases their risk of teenage pregnancy, STIs, or even child marriage as families try to ‘solve’ the problem. The poem offered hope through collective strength and knowledge. For many, the club has been the avenue they openly and freely spoke about periods without shame.

Teachers Step Up: From Challenge to Commitment

In parallel sessions with teachers, we introduced and disseminated the National Menstrual Health Guidelines for schools and higher institutions of learning that were launched by the Ministry of Education and Sports at the National Menstrual Hygiene commemoration held on 28^th May 2025. These sessions sparked deep discussions on the important role teachers play in shaping safe and inclusive school environments.  Many teachers openly shared the challenges, they face in supporting girls, including harmful social norms and cultural beliefs. In many communities, menstruation is still shrouded in taboo and silence, seen as a private or “unclean” issue that should not be openly discussed, especially between male teachers and female students. This belief leads to continuous discomfort, avoidance, or indifference, leaving girls to navigate menstruation alone, even in the face of urgent need. The myths and misconceptions as highlighted by the teacher’s further limit girls from opening up. Among other key issues common to all the schools are the lack of a school budget for emergency sanitary supplies, Limited knowledge and training on menstrual health issues, Inadequate infrastructure, such as changing rooms and disposal facilities and most importantly stigma and fear that affects young people’s willingness to seek for support.

By the end of the engagements, each school had developed actionable commitments to improve menstrual hygiene management (MHM) in their schools. Some of the key commitments included: Establishing “pad corners” at the schools, Integrating menstrual health tips during every biology and science classes, introduce physical exercise session into the school timetable for girls to engage in regular health exercise to ensure non painful period,  identifying “period buddy” in schools called ‘Big Sister” to support girls and link them to support for those who may not be able to reach out to teachers by themselves, hold regular menstrual sessions for girls and boys, establish boys as period support champions, identify and gazette a special room for girls to change pads and take some rest in case of painful periods, linking the school to nearest health facilities for medical support in case of un manageable period conditions like extreme pain and abnormalities for the pupils and students and lastly support advocating for menstrual hygiene budgeting in schools. visit out youtube channel: @uyahfchanel to watch the teachers powerful voices of commitment. 

These progressive commitments and actions highlighted above, when implemented and actualized will significantly transform the menstrual hygiene landscape. It will ensure menstrual justice and improved menstrual health for girls in not only these schools but in the entire communities.

Menstruation is beyond pads, It’s About Dignity and Opportunity

Menstrual health is not just a hygiene issue, it is a human rights issue, an education issue, and a gender equality issue. When girls are supported to manage their periods safely and with dignity, they are more likely to stay in school, avoid early marriage, and achieve their full potential.

“Now, I fully attend classes even during my periods. Girls no longer hide. We are not afraid. We have a voice.” Concluded Shafiga.

These outreaches and well thought out engagements are a part of UYAHF’s broader commitment to promoting Menstrual Justice, ending period poverty, and ensuring that every girl just like Shafiga menstruates with dignity.

Article by Haruna Musa, Public Health Communication Practitioner, SRH Advocate and the Communication Manager at the Uganda Youth and Adolescents Health Forum. Email: hmusa@uyahf.com Contact: +256783994369

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EMPOWERING YOUTH AND COMMUNITY VOICES: A WEEK OF ADVOCACY IN KALANGALA ISLAND

In a bold and strategic shift, PTY youth advocates in Kalangala District redirected their focus from local leaders to national legislators and the Resident District Commissioner (RDC), urging them to use their positions of influence to catalyze real change that address the health gaps in the district. They presented a powerful call for action and accountability, emphasizing that empty promises are no longer acceptable.

The youth further encouraged community members to exercise their voting rights wisely in the upcoming elections urging them to elect leaders who are committed to long-term, sustainable solutions to community and young people’s health issues, and youth empowerment among the key service deliverable indicators over short-term political interests.

This bold call was made during a community dialogue, part of a week-long series of community and school outreach activities across the Ssese and Bukasa Islands in Kalangala District. The initiative under the Power to youth programs (PTY) under the consortium partnership of @RHUganda, @uyahf1, and @EASSIGender, and ran from 26th April to 1st May 2025. It was attended by two Members of Parliament: Hon. Moses Kabusu (representative for Kyamuswa County) and Hon. Hellen Nakimuli (Woman MP for Kalangala District).

These integrated activities aimed to amplify youth voices and mobilse community to advocate for improved sexual and reproductive health (SRH) outcomes in the islands and it featured several impactful engagements, including Male Engagement Forums, traditional ‘Ekyoto’ sessions, school outreach programs, and concluded with a vibrant Community Dialogue that brought together a wide array of stakeholders.

Addressing the Youth: Hon. Moses Kabusu and Hon. Hellen Nakimuli Lead the Way.

Throughout the week, the community was honored by the presence of two key policymakers: Hon. Moses Kabusu, Member of Parliament for Kyamuswa County, and Hon. Hellen Nakimuli, Woman MP for Kalangala. Both leaders actively engaged with students at Serwanga Lwanga SSS and Kyamuswa SS, where they delivered motivational sessions on career guidance, the prevention of child marriage, and tackling teenage pregnancy. These sessions proved to be a source of inspiration, with students benefiting from real-life experiences and practical advice that directly addressed their concerns.

Male Engagement Forum: Challenging Harmful Masculinities

A key highlight of the week was the Male Engagement Forum, which aimed to address the pressing issue of harmful masculinity. Discussions focused on the negative impacts of toxic masculinity, which contributes significantly to sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV). The forum promoted the role of men as allies in the fight for gender equality, encouraging them to become active participants in changing societal norms and supporting women and girls in their journey toward equality.

Ekyoto: A Cultural Approach to Child Protection

In parallel, the traditional ‘Ekyoto’ sessions were held, emphasizing the role of parents in the upbringing and protection of their children. These community gatherings aimed to foster a culture of responsibility, with a particular focus on preventing teenage pregnancies. Local elders and parents were encouraged to actively participate in nurturing safe and supportive environments for girls, ensuring their right to education and protection from early pregnancies.

Community Dialogue: Youth Demands Action

The week culminated in the Community Dialogue, which saw over 100 community members, including young people, local leaders, and policymakers, gather to discuss pressing health and SRH challenges. This dialogue was an essential platform for young people to voice their concerns and demand solutions for issues that have long been overlooked.

 Mugamba Pius, speaking on behalf of the advocates, spoke passionately about the ongoing challenges facing the youth, particularly in the realm of health service delivery. Drawing on data from a recent community scorecard exercise, he highlighted persistent issues such as persistent shortages of health supplies, the absence of youth-friendly SRH services, and a general lack of accountability from local leadership. Despite repeated attempts to engage with local authorities, these issues have remained largely unaddressed.

The success of the week’s activities demonstrates the growing power of youth-led advocacy and the urgency of addressing SRH issues in underserved communities. As the election season approaches, the voices of young people in Kalangala are being heard louder than ever before, calling for lasting change and responsible leadership.

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ISLAM AND CHILD MARRIAGE:
CLARIFYING MISCONCEPTIONS THROUGH FAITH AND FACTS

“We have lost alot of girls here to child marriage. It has been normalized and school dropout is very high particularly among girls. Being a predominantly Muslim community, the families are so inclined to their Quranic teaching which they say permits them to marry off a girl as soon as she begins her menstrual cycle. As a result, girls keeps droping out of school as early as Primary Four and Five to get married”.

This was one of the most striking revelation by Ms. Manake Hajara, a senior woman teacher at Bubyangu Primary school, during one of the Uganda Youth and Adolescents Health Forum baseline study for the ‘Giving Girls Voice, Choice, and Control’ project, funded by the Obama Foundation through the Girls Opportunity Alliance in Mbale district, Eastern Uganda in 2024.

It is important to acknowledge that several Muslim majority countries exhibit high rates of child marriage, with notable examples including Niger (76%), Bangladesh (51%), Nigeria (50%) particularly in the predominantly Muslim northern states, Chad, Mali, Yemen, Egypt (17%), and Indonesia (16%). While the prevalence of child marriage in these countries may suggest a religious dimension, it is largely influenced by a complex interplay of factors, including entrenched cultural and traditional practices, patriarchal social norms, and the misinterpretation or misuse of religious teachings. These drivers often perpetuate gender inequality and hinder the realization of girls’ rights to education, health, and autonomy. It is critical to distinguish between cultural practices that predate or distort religious doctrine and the core teachings of Islam, which emphasize consent, maturity, and the well-being of both spouses in marital relationships.

Although in Uganda, the national prevalence rate of child marriage stands at 34%, there is no precise statistics directly linking the prevalence of the practice to the Islamic religion or to the demographic composition of predominantly Muslim communities. But verbal reports and narrations from communities such as Bufumba and Bubyangu in Mbale District highlight recurring claims that early marriage is influenced by the Islamic religious interpretations. These localized accounts, though not yet supported by empirical data, present a compelling case for targeted research aimed at exploring the extent to which religious beliefs and cultural norms intersect to influence child marriage practices. Establishing such evidence through specialized, context-specific studies would contribute significantly to the development of culturally responsive interventions and policies.

Hajara’s narrative was not unfamiliar to me; however, it proved especially thought-provoking. It highlighted a critical insight: that advocacy efforts aimed at addressing Sexual and Reproductive Health (SRH) and Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV), especially in combating harmful practices such as child marriage, may yield limited impact if we do not incorporate a comprehensive understanding of the underlying socio-cultural and un grounded religious beliefs that sustain these practices.

Having been raised in a traditionally Muslim background and now serving as a human rights and sexual and reproductive health (SRH) advocate, I felt a personal and professional responsibility to explore the religious basis often cited in defense of child marriage in most Muslim communities. Through in-depth consultations with Muslim scholars from the Sharia Department at the Islamic University in Uganda, alongside a critical review of key Islamic texts and diverse scholarly interpretations, I came to the clear conclusion that child marriage is not a religious obligation in Islam. Rather, it is a cultural practice often misattributed to the faith due to misinterpretation of specific Quranic verses and the hadith or narrations of the Prophet Muhamad (PBUH). This article aims to present a comprehensive analysis of Islamic teachings on marriage, challenging prevailing misconceptions and highlighting the principles of consent, maturity, and protection of rights that are central to Islamic jurisprudence.

Islam is a religion rooted in justice, compassion, and the protection of human dignity. Quran, Surah An-Nisa-58 talks about justice in dealing with people and the importance of fairness in the societal framework. Among its core values, Islam places a significant emphasis on the rights of girls and women, as outlined in Surah A-Nisa 34 which instructs men to act as protectors and supporters of women. However, in numerous Muslim communities, particularly in Uganda, certain teachings of the Qur’an, especially those concerning marriage, have been misrepresented due to various factors, including a lack of comprehensive knowledge and understanding of both the Qur’an and Hadith. Consequently, many individuals misinterpret Islamic teachings, using them to justify harmful practices such as child marriage an issue that has undermined decades of global efforts aimed at eradicating child marriage, and this has left many Islamic believers in the dark of the actual truth of their faith and beliefs

To better understand this context, I refer to Surah Al-Baqarah (2:120) which states:

“Say, ‘Indeed, the guidance of Allah is the only guidance.’ If you were to follow their desires after the knowledge that has come to you, you would have no protector or helper against Allah.”

This verse reinforces the fundamental principle that the Qur’an serves as a complete and divine guide for humanity. It cautions believers against substituting divine guidance with personal or cultural interpretations that deviate from revealed truth. In this light, the Quran positions itself not just as a religious text, but as a comprehensive framework for justice, ethics, and human dignity.

Distinguishing Culture from Religion. In both the Bible and the Qur’an, early marriage was historically practiced among pre-Islamic and ancient communities. For example, in the Jahiliyya period in Mecca, long before the Qur’an was revealed, Arab societies practiced child marriage, arranged family matchmaking, and even the burying of girl children. These customs were cultural, not religious.

It is crucial to recognize that, in the context of Islam’s expansion beyond Arabia, many local Arab cultural practices and ways of life were erroneously incorporated into the religion over time. For example, the wearing of the kanzu and turban are more of cultural practices rather than religious mandates. Similarly, harmful customs such as child marriage, which was a prevalent and often brutal cultural norm in pre-Islamic Arab society, were among the practices that became mistakenly associated with Islam by many converts. However, these detrimental practices and cultural norms were precisely the kinds of issues the Qur’an was revealed to regulate and reform, not to endorse. Surah At-Takwir 81:8-9

Islam and Women’s Rights: The Qur’an and Hadith consistently emphasize the value and dignity of women. Surah An-Nisa (4:32) and Surah An-Naba (78:8) promote love and harmony between spouses. Prophet Muhammad (SAW) in his final sermon commanded followers to treat women well. A famous Hadith narrated by Bukhari and Muslim illustrates this:

“A man came to the Prophet and asked, ‘Who among the people is the most worthy of my good companionship?’ The Prophet said, ‘Your mother.’ The man asked again, ‘Then who?’ The Prophet said, ‘Your mother.’ He asked a third time, and the Prophet repeated, ‘Your mother.’ Then he asked a fourth time, and the Prophet said, ‘Your father.”  This emphasis on maternal respect reflects the broader Islamic view on the sanctity and value of a female specie (women and girls). Another narration from Tirmidhi quotes the Prophet saying: “Indeed, I order you to be good to women, for they are under your protection. You do not own them.

Islam, Consent, and Marriage Age: Islam does not fix a specific numerical age for marriage. Instead, it emphasizes maturity (physical, emotional, and financial) and mutual consent. Surah An-Nur (24:32) encourages marriage for those who are capable of fulfilling its responsibilities as it quotes And marry those among you who are single… if they are needy, Allah will enrich them out of His grace.”

The key principles here are maturity and consent. Islamic jurisprudence (fiqh) acknowledges that readiness for marriage involves more than reaching puberty. A person must be able to understand and fulfill marital obligations.

Importantly, Islam also commands its followers to obey the laws of their country and those in authority as long as those laws do not contradict core Islamic obligations. Therefore, if the law in Uganda, just to be particular sets the legal age of marriage at 18, Muslims within Uganda are religiously obligated to respect it with no exception.

“O you who have believed, obey Allah and obey the Messenger and those in authority among you…”  Surah An-Nisa (4:59)

Child Marriage: Islamic Law vs. Local Law: In many Muslim-majority countries, including Egypt, Morocco, and Indonesia, legal reforms have established the minimum marriage age at 18 to protect young girls from early marriage and its consequences. These decisions are based on Islamic principles clearly highlighted in the Holy Quran that prioritize justice, protection of the vulnerable, and the well-being of individuals. Regrettably, in many contexts, numerous clerics remain anchored in traditional interpretations and are resistant to new learning and research, perceiving secular theories and global human rights efforts as threats to faith. This mindset contributes to the continued perpetuation of harmful practices including child marriage.

What Needs to Be Done: Addressing these misconceptions has remained a persistent challenge for decades of advocacy, not only in Uganda but globally. This issue is partly attributed to the ongoing conflict between modern principles and religious contexts, where divergent approaches have often led to disunity rather than cohesion. In many instances, faith-based institutions perceive certain modern approaches as threats to religious values. This highlights the urgent need to reconsider and refine advocacy strategies and approaches that are more accommodative to the perspectives of faith gatekeepers to have their buy ins. Practical approaches, not limited to the following, may include:

• Faith-Based Coalition capacity Building: Working with existing faith based regulatory bodies like the Uganda Muslim supreme council and forming networks of progressive and highly informed and open-minded Muslim leaders and Ulamah/sheikhs at grassroot level to champion reforms and challenge myths and misconceptions.

• Capacity Building for Religious Leaders: Work with faith experts, Islamic institution of Higher learning like the Islamic University in Uganda which a trusted Islamic scientific research institutes to mobilize and equip local imams and community sheikhs with accurate Islamic teachings regarding women’s rights and marriage in the modern context.

• Faith based Community Dialogues: Organize grassroots forums with parents, religious leaders, and youth to debunk harmful myths.

• Young people focused School and community Based Sensitization: Integrate discussions on religion vs human rights, and reproductive health into Islamic school curricula and madrasa sessions.

Conclusion: From my perspective, as expressed in this article and supported by numerous verses from the Holy Quran and the narrations and hadiths of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and his companions, Islam cannot be regarded as an adversary to women’s rights. On the contrary, Islam provides some of the most comprehensive and robust protections for the rights, dignity, consent, and justice of women and girls. These protections extend across spiritual, political, and socio-economic dimensions, aligning with the broader principles of human rights and the upholding of dignity for women and girls. Islamic teachings advocate for the fair treatment, respect, and empowerment of women, offering a foundation for their equality and well-being in both the private and public spheres.

It is the responsibility of faith leaders and advocates to ensure that religion is not misinterpreted or misused to justify the violation of the rights of children, women, or humanity at large. Religion should be a source of moral guidance that upholds justice, dignity, and compassion. There is a critical need to foster an objective alignment between religious teachings, legal frameworks, and advocacy efforts, with the aim of advancing actions that are consistent with universally accepted human rights standards. Such an integrated approach not only strengthens the protection of vulnerable groups but also reinforces the role of faith as a positive force for social justice and equality.

Article by Haruna Musa – Public Health Communication Practitioner and SRH Advocate, Communication Manager at the Uganda Youth and Adolescents Health Forum. hmusa@uyahf.com+256783994369

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FROM POLICY TO ACTION: UGANDA’S LAWMAKERS UNITE TO ACCELERATE EFFORTS AGAINST TEENAGE PREGNANCY AND CHILD MARRIAGE

“This isn’t the first time these issues have reached Parliament. But if our efforts have not yielded sustainable results in the past 20 years, it’s time to ask ourselves what are we doing differently? We need to rethink our strategies.” Lura Lafuete, Gender Program Specialist at @UNFPAUganda.

10^th April 2025 marked yet a significant and powerful milestone in the efforts to protect Uganda’s adolescents and young girls against child marriage and teenage pregnancy.  Over 25 Members of Parliament (MPs), championed by the @_UPFCT, with the support of the Uganda Youth and Adolescents Health Forum(UYAHF) under the Power To Youth program and Raising Teenagers Uganda convened a strategic meeting and media briefing under the theme: “Accountability and Accelerated Action to End Teenage Pregnancy and Child Marriage.” to rethink new strategies, reflect on the National strategy to end child marriage and teenage pregnancy, review preceding commitments and reenergize the efforts in addressing the obstacles to addressing the teenage pregnancy and child marriage challenges.

In 2021, after the break of Covid-19, the parliament of Uganda passed a motion to end teenage pregnancy and child marriage and despite this and many other actions and interventions from both local, government and development partners, Uganda still continues to grapple with persistent cases.

According to the Uganda Bureau Statistics, approximately 25% of Ugandan girls aged 15–19 have begun childbearing, making it one of the highest rates in sub-Saharan Africa. Teenage pregnancies contribute significantly to maternal health issues, with 17.2% of maternal deaths occurring among adolescents aged 15 – 19.

According to a 2019 publication by UNICEF, approximately 34% of women aged 20–24 were married before the age of 18. ​ These statistics underscore the urgency for continued legislative reforms, policy implementation, and community-based interventions to protect adolescents and young girls from the adverse effects of teenage pregnancy and child marriage.

This meeting marked a renewed wave of political will, as MPs boldly reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening legislative reforms, prioritizing budget allocations, and ensuring the holistic implementation of policies that protect young people especially girls.

Through the meeting, the legislators acknowledged and expressed deep concern about the alarming rise in teenage pregnancy and child marriage across the country despite previous commitments and ongoing efforts. Hon. Sarah Opendi, Woman MP for Tororo District, called for a coordinated national response rooted in accountability and political commitment.

“We need to protect adolescent girls by holding parents accountable and punishing perpetrators who impregnate and marry teenagers,” Hon. Opendi emphasized. “But this must be supported by multi-sectoral collaboration and a clear commitment from both national and local governments.”

Several MPs passionately advocated for moving beyond policy rhetoric. Hon. Ayebare Margaret, Woman MP for Mbarara District, emphasized the need to effectively enforce Sexual and Reproductive Health (SRH) policies and monitor budget execution to ensure tangible results.

“SRH policies must not remain on paper,” she said. “We need real budget allocations, real action, and real change at national, district, and community levels.” Hon. Ayebare added.

The engagement also underscored the vital role of civil society organizations (CSOs) in shaping policy through lived experiences, data, and grassroots perspectives. Partners like UNFPA Uganda, UYAHF, and Raising Teenagers Uganda presented valuable insights that MPs acknowledged as key to informed policymaking.

Laura Lafuente, Gender Program Specialist at @UNFPAUganda, challenged all stakeholders to reflect on past efforts and rethink strategies moving forward.

“This isn’t the first time these issues have reached Parliament,” she noted. “But if our efforts have not yielded sustainable results in the past 20 years, it’s time to ask ourselves what are we doing differently? We need to rethink our strategies.”

Hon. Bhoka George Didi, MP for Obongi County, emphasized the importance of grassroots engagement and localized action. He stressed the need to translate national strategies into local languages and empower community leaders to become champions of the cause.

“Our people must understand and own these interventions,” he said. “That’s how we build sustainable accountability.”

MPs pledged to launch awareness campaigns, work with schools and health facilities, and involve local leaders to tackle the root causes of teenage pregnancy and child marriage in their constituencies.

They also called for the establishment of robust accountability frameworks to track progress, promote transparency, and sustain momentum in implementing the National Strategy to End Child Marriage and Teenage Pregnancy.

This meeting was more than just a dialogue, it was a renewed promise from Uganda’s lawmakers to champion the rights of adolescents and young girls. With stronger partnerships, better funding, and community-level engagement, we are one step closer to ending child marriage and teenage pregnancy in Uganda for good.

Author: Haruna Musa, Communication Manager at Uganda Youth and Adolescents Health Forum (hmusa@uyahf.com)

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BUKWO YOUTH ADVOCATES CHALLENGE AREA WOMAN MEMBER OF PARLIAMENT TO RESPOND TO THE HEALTH AND UNEMPLOYMENT ISSUES FACING YOUNG PEOPLE IN THE DISTRICT.

Young people in Bukwo district led by a team of 8 Power to Youth advocates have asked the woman member of parliament Bukwo district, Hon. Chemtai Everlyn, and the district leadership to urgently respond to the health and unemployment issues facing the young people pointing out that lack of access to health services has orchestrated teenage pregnancy and HIV new infections among young people specifically in Kaptererwa subcounty.

This call was made recently during the crowning  of a week-long integrated community health and school outreaches focusing on challenging harmful practices and addressing health challenges affecting young people through cross border dialogues to end FGM, male engagement forums to challenge SGBV, School outreaches to address menstrual hygiene challenges and free medical health services organized by the Bukwo district local government in partnership with the Power To Youth program. Power To Youth (PTY) is a 5 year advocacy program funded by Sonke Gender Justice that is implemented by a consortium of three partners including Reproductive Health Uganda (RHU), Uganda Youth and Adolescent Health Forum (UYAHF) and The Eastern African Sub- regional Support Initiative for the Advancement of Women (EASSI).

Bukwo district is among the areas in Sebei sub region renowned for practicing cross border Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) among other pressing health challenges including child marriage, teenage pregnancy, SGBV and period poverty. According to a September 2024 article published by the Nile Post, Ben Sakajja, the Bukwo district Community Development Officer, revealed that the district registers more than 80 cases of domestic violence each month, some cases of which involve children, painting a grim picture of the escalating crisis.   

According to the New Vision, Over 200 cases of child marriages and teenage pregnancies are reported in Bukwo district annually. This has been attributed to poverty, poor parenting, the poor justice system, and the Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) cultural practice. Ben Sakajja, the Bukwo District Community Development Officer noted that on average they receive about 10 cases of defilement every month. He further pointed out that since FGM is still widely seen as a rite of passage into womanhood, it continues to be a significant contributing factor to child marriage within Bukwo. The PTY program, already in its final year aims to amplify the voices of young people to speak against issues that affect them, claim civic space, hold leaders accountable, and challenge harmful practice, including FGM, SGBV, child marriage, and teenage pregnancy among others.  

Young people in Bukwo continue to face significant health challenges, particularly in the areas of sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR). Limited access to contraception, inadequate youth-friendly health services, and the rising rates of teenage pregnancies and sexually transmitted infections (STIs) were among the key concerns raised during the event.

They voiced out that Kaptererwo subcounty has only one health center, Kapkoloswo HC III, which is also understaffed in addition to the continuous regular drug stock out. Additionally, they explained that many young people are unable to access the services they need due to stigma from health workers, long distances, and inadequate medical supplies.

“We appeal to Hon. Chemtai Everlyn, Woman MP, with her powers and with the commitments she always made to lobby for improved health services tailored to the needs of young people, including equipping local health facilities with essential SRH services and hiring trained personnel to offer youth-friendly services without judgment or discrimination. We also suggest that the short-term intervention can be holding regular mobile clinics to ensure that health services reach areas far away from the health facilities” noted Cherop Anita, PTY Youth advocate, Kaptererwo.

The youth advocates also highlighted the high rates of un employment among young people which they say has created more problems as many of them struggle to find decent work opportunities, pushing them into risky behaviors such as transactional sex and early marriages as a means of survival.

“The lack of vocational training centers and job opportunities has left many of us vulnerable to economic hardships. The available government programs like the EMYOGA, PDM and Youth Livelihood programs are not transparent and are poorly implemented by the responsible district authorities who front their own people, such as friends and relatives sidelining the real beneficiaries.” Said Kiplimo Harrison, Youth advocate   

They further urged Hon. Chemtai Everlyn to push for government investment in vocational training and entrepreneurship programs. They called for the establishment of initiatives that would equip young people with skills in agriculture, carpentry, tailoring, and other trades, enabling them to become self-reliant and contribute to the local economy.

In response to the youth’s concerns, Hon. Chemtai Everlyn acknowledged the challenges facing the young people in Bukwo and pledged to advocate for better policies and funding to address these issues. She assured them that she would work with the relevant ministries and development partners to improve access to quality healthcare services and create opportunities for economic empowerment. She informed the congregations that a plan is already underway and funding has been sent to the district to commence the construction of a health Center IV in Kaptererwo, which she says will try to bridge the current health care access gaps.

“Despite these issues, I still want to encourage you not to give up on government small grants programs, please continue to form groups and ensure that you are organized so that if we address the elements of corruption within these structures, you are also ready to put to proper use the funds. I promise to engage with district and subcounty leaders among other stakeholders in devising solutions that would directly benefit the youth, ensuring that your voices and concerns are heard at policy-making levels” Hon. Chemtai Added.

The Bukwo district Resident District Commissioner (RDC), Bessie Modestar Ajilong who was also present at the event among other top district officials committed to follow up on some of the demands of the young people especially on the youth empowerment government programs to ensure they benefit.

“I am glad that these issues have been presented here on the face of the district and local leaders. Like my colleague Hon. Chemtai responded, we are going to work closely to hold them accountable, address the issues that are within our capacity while we lobby for more opportunities for young people”, Ajilong added.

The Power to Youth Integrated School and Community Outreaches in Keptererwo and Kortek served as an eye-opener, emphasizing the urgent need for action to improve the health and employment conditions of young people in Bukwo. The dialogue between youth advocates and Hon. Chemtai Everlyn was a step in the right direction, but there is still much to be done.

Authored By; hmusa@uyahf.com, nnakyegera@uyahf.com, praisem@uyahf.com.

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BUILDING A RESILIENT TEAM; THE UYAHF STAFF RETREAT 2025.

“As we embark on this new chapter, we are more equipped than ever to drive transformative change, empowered by strategy, teamwork, and an unwavering passion for impact.”  Said Joyce Nakato, Team Leader.

A staff retreat can be a game-changer for any organization, and for a youth-led organization like the Uganda Youth and Adolescents Health Forum (UYAHF), it serves as a powerful tool to set the pace, strategize, and foster team cohesion. In January, our team gathered for a 4 dyas impactful retreat designed to reflect on our progress in terms of key learnings, picking best practices from last year, and lay strategies for much bigger strides for 2025. The retreat also created a platform to introduce new projects, and welcoming new staff into our dynamic workforce.

The retreat held from 27th to 30th January brought together over 28 staff from the various UYAHF districts of operation. It kicked off with an engaging icebreaker session, where staff shared personal traits beyond their work life, setting a relaxed yet energetic tone for the day. This was followed by an insightful reflection on our achievements and challenges over the past year. Each department, including Programs, Communications, Advocacy, and Finance, shared key milestones and lessons learned. Additionally, project officers provided brief updates on specific projects, their progress, implementation successes, and challenges laying the groundwork for informed strategic planning.

The retreat discussions also focused among other things on organizational funding and sustainability strategies, emphasizing the crucial role of staff contributions. The session explored various approaches to enhance funding opportunities amidst shrinking global funding pools, sparking insightful discussions on the importance of working in coalitions, leveraging in multisectoral approaches, engaging stakeholders, adopting digital fundraising, and leveraging local resources. Additionally, staff participated in a strategic planning session led by the Programs Manager, who facilitated a deep dive into our annual objectives, ensuring alignment with the evolving needs of the communities we serve as a way to emphasize the significance of utilizing the human centered design. With a strong emphasis on teamwork and accountability, staff members engaged in role-play scenarios to sharpen effective communication, problem-solving and decision-making skills.

A key moment of the retreat was the introduction of new staff under the Inclusive and Equitable Healthcare Service (IEHS) project, supported by German Doctors. They were warmly welcomed into the organization and mentored through   team-building exercises, helping them embrace UYAHF’s mission-driven culture seamlessly.

To onboard the new staff effectively, the team revisited UYAHF’s objectives, mission, vision and core values, reinforcing these principles as the foundation of their work and encouraging them to positively represent the organization. Through interactive discussions and group activities, team members exchanged innovative ideas on implementing projects while ensuring sustainability and inclusivity.

Beyond the formal sessions, the retreat incorporated wellness activities, including team-building exercises, and strategy crafting for personal, professional, and organizational growth. Key themes such as emotional intelligence, effective communication, team-work, critical thinking, and problem-solving took center stage, allowing staff to recharge, bond, and foster camaraderie. By the close of the retreat, the energy in the room was palpable renewed commitment, a shared vision, and strengthened collaboration.

Click video highlight to watch the incredible retreat come together.

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STRENGTHENING HEALTHCARE SERVICE ACCESS IN UNDERSERVED COMMUNITIES: THE INCLUSIVE AND EQUITABLE HEALTHCARE SERVICES (IEHS) PROJECT KICK STARTS

The Uganda Youth and Adolescents Health Forum (UYAHF), in January launched and kick started the Inclusive and Equitable Healthcare Services (IEHS) Project, a community-based health care project funded by the German Doctors that aims at enhance access to quality healthcare services for marginalized and vulnerable communities in the districts of Budaka, Mbale, Bukedea and Butebo

The one-year project will be implemented across the four districts focusing on providing equitable access to comprehensive healthcare services while ensuring that the most vulnerable individuals can receive preventive, curative, palliative, and rehabilitative care. It will be implemented through strengthening the already existing health structures in the districts, such as supporting community-integrated outreaches, conducting mobile clinics to serve the hard-to-reach areas in a way of extending services to the community, enhancing home visits for follow-up of clients, and working with schools to establish Primary Health Care clubs.

The 3day inception meetings were held from 5th – 7th February 2025. They commenced on Wednesday 5th with Budakaand Butebo districts holding their meetings on the same day followed by Mbale and then Bukedea respectively. With coordination fron the District health Offices, these were supported  by the UYAHF team leader, Nakato Joyce along with the  programs manager, Prasie Mwesiga, and the IEHS project coordinator, Singura Peninah, and they brought together key stakeholders and representation including the various district stakeholders; RDC, CAO, DHO, DISO, LCV, DCDO, DEO, Probation office, LCIIIs, the district Biostaticians, health facility in charges, community health workers among others to broadly inform them about the project and discuss strategies for effective implementation.

The meeting was marked by a series of successful engagements, providing a platform to introduce the project, outline its objectives, and secure much-needed collaboration and support from key decision-makers. During the engagement, district leaders expressed their enthusiasm and commitment to working together to drive the project’s impact forward. They engaged in robust discussions on the prevailing healthcare challenges, particularly those affecting young people, women, and marginalized groups. The dialogues emphasized the urgent need for inclusive and non-judgmental health services, increased access to sexual and reproductive health education, primary health care for vulnerable communities, tackling issues such as teenage pregnancy, MCH, HIV, STDs and STIs prevention, and treatment, and NCDs, among others.

About the IEHS project: The IEHS Project employs a comprehensive and inclusive strategy, leveraging existing healthcare frameworks within the targeted districts. By integrating community-based outreaches, mobile clinics, home visits, and school-based Primary Healthcare (PHC) clubs, the project will ensure that even the most marginalized populations receive critical healthcare services. Through this approach, the project is set to provide preventive, curative, palliative, and rehabilitative care, leaving no one behind. Health education and awareness campaigns will also be a central component, ensuring that individuals and families have the knowledge and resources they need to make informed health decisions.

A major strength of the IEHS Project lies in its commitment to community empowerment. Recognizing the importance of an inclusive approach, the project aims to actively involve boys both in and out of school, as well as parents, in efforts to curb teenage pregnancies. Additionally, it seeks to establish adolescent and young mothers’and fathers’ clubs, creating a safe and equitable space where young mothers and fathers can share their experiences, access mentorship, and receive essential healthcare and psychosocial support.

During the sessions, UYAHF underscored its commitment to advocating for comprehensive and inclusive,  healthcare solutions that address the specific needs of adolescents and young women while the participants expressed strong support for the initiative, highlighting the necessity of social behavioral change and community-driven approaches to ensure sustainability.

While sharing insights about the health care service gap in the districts, Dr. Elisa Mulwani     the DHO Budaka District noted that the project provides an opportunity for a comprehensive community package and health care service task reinforcement at the selected health facilities.

“Now we have an in-depth understanding of the project, its coverage and duration. Our team is very excited and ready to work with UYAHF in making this initiative a success, given the fact that we know that the sub counties we are going to work in are disadvantaged without enough resources. I am extremely eager to sign the MoU and we hit the road to implementation.” Please mention the person who said this……

The inception meetings served as a critical platform to introduce UYAHF to the district stakeholders and the project’s objectives, expected outcomes, and implementation framework. The outstanding highlight from the inception process was the collaborative development of tailored action plans for each district, ensuring that interventions align with local healthcare priorities. By fostering partnerships with local governments, healthcare facilities, and community-based organizations, the IEHS Project aims to bridge healthcare gaps and create an enabling environment for equitable service delivery.

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