The Kyabazinga of Busoga, William Gabula Nadiope IV, launched a three-year project aimed at advancing the Sexual Reproductive health and Rights (SRHR) of adolescents and youth in Kamuli and Muyuge districts in Eastern Uganda.
The EYE Universal SRHR project, running under the theme “My Body, My Life, My World” was launched at Kamuli Youth Center ground in Kamuli district on 16th March 2023. The project is geared towards empowering girls and women to decide over their bodies and ensure access to comprehensive adolescent and youth-friendly sexual reproductive health information and services.
The project worth shs16.8b is funded by the Norwegian Embassy in Uganda and will be implemented by UNFPA together with Marie Stopes Uganda and Care Uganda.
Speaking at the launch, Ole Reider Bergum, the Deputy Ambassador at the Embassy of Norway in Uganda, said that,
“Norway is committed to Supporting Uganda achieve its goals of reducing child marriages and teenage pregnancies through access to SRHR information, services, and products.”
In his speech, the Kyabazinga of Busoga appreciated the Norwegian government which agreed to carry on this project for the next three years, and for joining the Busoga Kingdom to reduce teenage pregnancies in Busoga.
“I do believe that if we work as a team, we shall be in a position to fight the vices which are taking a toll on our youth, yet we need to ensure that they have a bright future,”said His Majesty Nadiope IV.
Dr. Peter Ddungu, the Deputy Country Director at Marie Stopes Uganda appreciated the Norwegian Government for investing funds in Uganda towards ensuring access to SRH information and services for adolescents and youth in Kamuli and Mayuge districts.
“Marie Stopes Uganda is committed to working closely with UNFPA, CARE Uganda, Naguru Teenage Information Center, and other stakeholders to ensure adolescents and youth in Busoga access quality sexual and reproductive health services and products”.
Also present at the ceremony was Busoga Kingdom’s Prime Minister Dr. Joseph Muvawala, the Issabalangira (Chief Prince) of Busoga Kingdom Samuel Menhya Zirabamuzaale, Prince Nkono Mutyaba of Bukono chiefdom, and Prince Henry Woira of Bugabula BB, Commissioner Mondo Kyateka, officials from the Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development, Ministry of Health officials and Civil Society Organizations.