Vehicle donations bring hope for youth health in Uganda's north

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For many young people in northern Uganda, accessing sexual and reproductive health care is often hindered by distance.

But in a timely and targeted effort to improve health services for adolescents and youth, Marie Stopes Uganda and the Naguru Teenage Information and Health Centre have received two vehicles from the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) and the Royal Danish Embassy in Uganda.

The vehicles will serve communities in the Acholi region and West Nile, areas that have long struggled with limited access to adolescent-friendly services.

The vehicles are part of the SAY Programme (Strengthening Access to Adolescent and Youth SRHR Services), a vital initiative supporting young people’s rights to quality Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) services.

'Leaving no young person behind'

Speaking during the handover ceremony in Kampala on Monday, Daniel Alemu, Deputy Representative of UNFPA Uganda, called it a "critical milestone" in fulfilling a shared commitment to young people.

“We made a promise with the Royal Danish Embassy to leave no young person behind," he said.

“Today is about reaching the most underserved areas in Uganda and ensuring that information and services truly transform lives.”

Alemu praised the strong partnerships with Marie Stopes Uganda and Naguru Teenage Centre, organisations already deeply rooted in the communities, working to empower young people with the knowledge and skills needed to make informed choices.

In Uganda, the numbers paint a stark picture.

High rates of teenage pregnancies, limited access to contraceptives, and widespread gender-based violence continue to undermine young people's futures.

For Adam Sparre Spliid, Head of Co-operation at the Danish Embassy, supporting SRHR isn’t just charity — it is an investment in Uganda’s future.

"Promoting SRHR for young people is not just about policy; it’s fundamental to their well-being — and the well-being of this beautiful country," he said.

“By investing in young people’s health and rights, we are investing in healthy, educated, and empowered citizens.”

The vehicles are expected to directly support outreach efforts in remote areas, providing young people access to services they would otherwise struggle to reach.

Impact

Marie Stopes Uganda’s Country Director, Dr Henry Ddungu, shared how the SAY programme has already made a tangible impact since its start in January 2024.

In just a few months, Marie Stopes Uganda has supported 74 health facilities across five districts — Lamwo, Kitgum, Obongi, Moyo, and Adjumani — with training, mentorship, and essential SRHR services.

Over 107,000 services have been delivered to date.

"These vehicles will be critical for mobile outreach teams, reaching the last mile every day, even in the hardest-to-reach areas," said Ddungu.

Beyond transportation, the programme also supports anaesthetists for safer deliveries, ensures ambulance maintenance, and strengthens the health system to serve youth better.

Empowering young leaders

For Dr Rodgers Ampwera, Executive Director at Naguru Teenage Centre, the impact goes even deeper than health. 

His team works directly with communities, training young peer leaders who raise awareness, create demand for services, and even take on leadership roles in their communities.

"We are not just delivering services; we are building a generation of empowered young people who can lead, hold leaders accountable, and inspire others," said Ampwera.

Already, some young people trained through Naguru's programmes are stepping into district leadership positions, showing the transformative ripple effect of youth empowerment.