Netherlands, Iceland govts lauded over Kalangala transformation

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The governments of the Netherlands and Iceland have been lauded for supporting the delivery of free health services to the residents of Kalangala district. Kalangala is a hard-to-reach island community on Lake Victoria.

During an integrated medical outreach at Mugoye Health Centre III on May 7, 2025, Jimmy Kazibwe, the facility’s in-charge, said the support has been crucial in bridging the healthcare access gap faced by many residents due to long travel distances and high transport costs.

“The HEROES for Gender Transformative Action programme identified this challenge and started supporting us to take services directly to the communities,” Kazibwe said, adding: “We offer general treatment, family planning, cervical cancer screening, Sexually Transmitted Infection (STI) screening and treatment, among other services”.

The Heroes programme, which is running for six years, is supported by the Government of the Netherlands through its Embassy, with funding amounting to €19m (sh79b). The funds are distributed across nine districts, including Kalangala, Iganga, Mayuge, Budaka, Bukwo, Kween, Namayingo, Mbale, and Bugiri.

The programme is implemented by AMREF, MIFUMI, DKT Healthcare Uganda and Cordaid, among others.

Kazibwe noted that Mugoye Health Centre III serves a population of over 15,800 in Mugoye sub-county, adding that since the introduction of the HEROES programme in 2020, there has been improvement in reproductive health services and a noticeable reduction in cases of sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV).

“We used to register many SGBV cases, but because of the program, the numbers have gone down,” he added.

The Ambassadors are in Kalangala district for the official launch of the expanded interventions under the Heroes for Gender Transformative Action Programme in six sub-counties across the district.

Jamila Nantaba a Nurse at Mugoye Health Center III examining a baby during an integrated outreach at the health facility. (Photo by Violet Nabatanzi)

Kazibwe revealed that teenage pregnancy rates in Mugoye have dropped from 23% to 8%, based on previous data. “With HEROES, we engage youth in schools and communities. We have established a functional Youth Friendly Corner at the health facility to ensure privacy and comfort for adolescent clients,” he explained.

Jamila Nantaba, an enrolled nurse at the health centre, said the turn-up during outreach activities is always overwhelming, indicating the community’s need for accessible health services.

“Many people often miss treatment because they can’t afford transport to the health facilities. These outreaches bring hope and improve the general healthcare system,” she said.

Residents expressed appreciation for the free services, citing the outreaches as life-changing.