The Government of Iceland has joined Denmark and Sweden in a multi-donor partnership to support sexual and reproductive health programmes in Uganda, committing $3 million (about Shs11 billion) to the Strengthening Adolescents and Youth Empowerment and Rights (SAY Plus+) Programme.
The agreement was signed between the Government of Iceland and United Nations Population Fund, which serves as the programme’s managing and technical agency, working in collaboration with Uganda’s Ministry of Health.
The programme targets underserved regions, including Acholi, West Nile, Karamoja, Bukedi, and Busoga, and focuses on addressing what officials describe as a “triple threat” facing young people: teenage pregnancy, new HIV infections, and sexual and gender-based violence.
Iceland’s contribution will support a shift from short-term interventions to a more integrated, rights-based approach aimed at strengthening health systems and expanding access to services for adolescents and women.
A key component of the programme is the prevention and treatment of obstetric fistula, a childbirth injury caused by prolonged, obstructed labour without timely medical care. The condition can result in chronic incontinence, social isolation, and long-term economic hardship.
The initiative will support identification of fistula cases, timely surgical repair, referral systems, and reintegration of survivors into their communities.
“This is both a health systems issue and a human rights concern,” said Hildigunnur Engilbertsdóttir, Iceland’s Head of Mission to Uganda, noting her country’s longstanding support to fistula care.
UNFPA Representative Kristine Blokhus said the pooled funding approach would improve coordination and efficiency among development partners while strengthening government ownership.
Health officials say the programme also aims to expand sexuality education, economic empowerment initiatives, and community engagement to address harmful gender norms and reduce stigma around gender-based violence and fistula.
Dr. Richard Mugahi, Commissioner for Reproductive and Child Health at the Ministry of Health, said the new funding comes at a critical time, helping to bridge gaps following reductions in external support.
The SAY Plus+ Programme contributes to Uganda’s Human Capital Development agenda under the National Development Plan IV and aligns with global goals on health, gender equality, and reducing inequalities.
