The Kingdom of the Netherlands has committed $16 million (Shs58 billion) to Uganda's Strengthening Adolescents and Youth Rights and Empowerment (SAY Plus+) programme, boosting a multi-donor initiative aimed at improving sexual and reproductive health services, preventing gender-based violence and empowering young people.
The funding agreement, signed on Thursday between the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) and the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Uganda, brings the Netherlands into a donor partnership that already includes Denmark, Sweden and Iceland.
According to UNFPA, the additional funding will strengthen a pooled fund supporting Uganda's youth empowerment agenda through 2030.
The programme will expand access to youth-friendly health services, HIV prevention, protection against gender-based violence and life-skills training.
The SAY Plus+ programme targets adolescents and young people aged between 10 and 24 years, with a particular focus on adolescent girls, young women, out-of-school youth and refugees.
UNFPA Uganda Representative Kristine Blokhus said the investment reflects a commitment to Uganda's predominantly youthful population.
"This funding supports Uganda's youth, who make up 73 percent of the population under the age of 30," Blokhus said.
She said the programme seeks to reduce school dropouts caused by teenage pregnancy and gender-based violence while improving young people's health, safety and economic opportunities.
The Ministry of Health welcomed the new partnership, saying it will work with district health teams to strengthen youth-friendly health services across the country.
Director of Public Health Dr Daniel Kyabayinze said the programme will integrate HIV prevention, sexual and reproductive health services and gender-based violence interventions, while equipping health workers to provide respectful and dignified care.
"The health and well-being of young people is at the heart of Uganda's development journey," Kyabayinze said.
He added that young people should play a central role in shaping policies and programmes that affect their lives.
"Nothing for young people, without young people. Their voices, ideas and experiences must shape the solutions designed for them," he said.
Bouwe-Jan Smeding, Chargé d'Affaires at the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Uganda, said the four-year partnership is expected to deliver lasting improvements in adolescent health and well-being.
The SAY Plus+ programme aligns with Uganda's National Development Plan IV and is implemented through government institutions, communities and civil society organisations.
