Marie Stopes Uganda has launched a national campaign named ‘Buuza’, aimed at encouraging Ugandans—particularly women and couples—to seek timely, accurate information on reproductive and maternal health.
The campaign, whose name is a Luganda word for “Ask,” is designed to address silence, a persistent barrier in maternal healthcare.
Speaking at the launch, Dr. Molly Mbaziira, a gynaecologist at Marie Stopes Uganda, said the campaign shifts the focus from one-way health messaging to responsive engagement.
“Rather than focusing only on providing information, Buuza puts people at the centre. It responds to real questions about fertility, pregnancy, childbirth and life after delivery, and creates a supportive space where those questions can be asked without fear or judgment,” she said.
“There are some people who might be open but majority might not. Things to do with infertility, recurrent miscarriages and STIs among other issues, many victims feel stigmatized and might not feel safe to open up. There is need for space for someone to talk about the issues openly without any judging them. This is what the campaign is all about.”
According to Sandra Arinaitwe, the organisation’s Marketing and Communications Lead, WhatsApp will serve as the primary access point, enabling confidential, real-time conversations with trained clinicians.
A toll-free mobile line has also been established for individuals without access to smartphones.
“Within minutes, clients can connect with trained clinicians who listen, reassure and guide them to the most appropriate point of care near them,” Arinaitwe said.
“Many people rely on internet to make decisions for their health but the browsers are giving us answers with high engine optimisation. However, we want to encourage Ugandans to be confident and ask health experts like us. We want to create safe space for Ugandans to bring these issues to the doctor because as an organization, this is our space and we are non-judgmental. We want people to come out confidently asking questions they fear asking. We have equipment and experts to deal with those challenges and it is high time you asked us to help you out.”
Joyeuse Uwitonze, Hospital Manager at Marie Stopes Hospital, said the first point of contact often determines the quality of the entire care journey.
She noted that the facility is equipped with modern technology and specialised staff to manage both routine and complex reproductive health cases.
“This is one way of sharing information about health and help communities make good and informed choices.”
“We intend to shift behaviour in a way that feels familiar, respectful, and led by the audience themselves. This campaign invites the public to actively use social media platforms to ask questions early and without fear.”