Uganda’s adolescent health services have received a significant boost following the Government of Sweden’s announcement of a Shs45.4 billion investment aimed at expanding reproductive health services, reducing teenage pregnancies, and strengthening youth-friendly support systems in underserved regions.
The funding—officially unveiled on Friday at the Embassy of Sweden in Kampala—comes amid declining resources for adolescent and youth sexual and reproductive health, even as teenage pregnancies, gender-based violence, and sexual exploitation continue to rise nationwide.
Channelled through the Ministry of Health and the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), the investment will focus on Karamoja and Bukedi, regions with some of the highest rates of teenage pregnancy and early marriage.
The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Health, Dr Diana Atwine, welcomed the contribution, describing it as timely and crucial to address barriers that prevent young people from accessing reproductive health information and services.
“The stigma should not be there. The services are available, but many young people don’t know how to approach them. Religious influence remains strong, so we must educate adolescents continuously. This support brings services closer to the people,” she said.
Although Uganda’s family planning policy generally sets 18 as the minimum age, Atwine stressed that health workers support adolescents who are sexually active, married, or in need of care.
“No one is turned away. When young people come to a facility, they are counselled and supported. But fear persists, so education and outreach must continue,” she said.
Atwine highlighted the consequences of limited access to services. Current data indicates that 19 percent of maternal deaths in Uganda occur among teenagers, a figure she described as preventable.
She also cited high rates of obstetric fistula among adolescents resulting from early pregnancies and obstructed labour.
She further expressed concern over rising sexual violence, noting that many cases occur within homes.
“Each time I visit schools for counselling, I encounter at least five cases of sexual violence, most of which occur at home. Families and communities are not providing the safety children need,” Atwine said, urging parents, cultural leaders, and community members to play an active protective role.
According to Ministry of Health statistics, one in four Ugandan girls becomes pregnant by age 19.
Sweden’s Ambassador to Uganda, Maria Häkansson, said the investment demonstrates her government’s commitment to safeguarding Uganda’s youth.
“This support secures the future generation. Adolescents, especially girls, must have the opportunity to thrive, stay in school, and make informed choices,” she said.
Häkansson emphasized Sweden’s longstanding partnership with Uganda’s health sector.
UNFPA Country Representative Kristine Blokhus highlighted that the support comes at a critical time when needs are rising but resources are limited.
“Young people have many questions but lack safe spaces to seek answers. Behind each statistic is a young life facing interrupted education, diminished opportunities, and heightened vulnerability,” Blokhus said.
UNFPA plans to reach 1.5 million additional adolescents by 2030, expanding efforts beyond Acholi and West Nile into high-burden regions of Karamoja and Bukedi.
Atwine confirmed that the Swedish contribution will be integrated into a unified national plan to ensure accountability, measurable outcomes, and accelerated progress toward reducing adolescent maternal health risks.
