Gaps in counselling on contraceptive side effects are contributing to low uptake and discontinuation of modern family planning methods in Uganda, according to a Ministry of Health assessment of family planning services.
The competency assessment found that many women stop using contraceptives after experiencing side effects without seeking medical advice, even though many reactions can be managed through counselling, follow-up care or switching to another method.
Presenting the findings to journalists at the Health Journalists Network Media Science cafe on Friday, Dr. Chris Ebong, a senior medical officer in the Ministry of Health’s Department of Reproductive and Child Health, said the assessment examined whether health workers were providing adequate counselling before and after contraceptive services.
He said women using long-acting methods such as implants and intrauterine devices often have the methods removed at different health facilities instead of returning to the original provider for counselling and management of side effects.
The findings are consistent with a nationwide study by Makerere University School of Public Health and the Uganda Bureau of Statistics, which found that 94.3% of women of reproductive age knew about modern contraceptive methods and where to obtain them, but only 38% were using a modern method in 2025.
Prof. Frederick Makumbi, who led the study, said fear and experience of side effects were among the leading reasons women ages 15 to 49 avoided or discontinued family planning.
Women reported excessive bleeding, headaches, weight changes and physical discomfort. Others cited misconceptions, including claims that contraceptives cause cancer.
In response, the Ministry of Health is introducing a digital reporting system that will allow contraceptive users to report side effects through a chatbot.
Daniel Aguma, a pharmacist responsible for family planning supply chains at the Ministry of Health, said the platform will provide information about side effects, offer professional advice and refer women to health facilities when necessary.
The ministry has also trained Community Health Extension Workers to provide selected family planning services in communities and collect feedback from women experiencing side effects.
However, the Makerere University survey found that most of the 96 health facilities assessed did not have a complete supply of essential contraceptive commodities.
Aguma acknowledged that stockouts continue to occur but said many are linked to delays in submitting orders through the digital logistics system rather than shortages at the national level.
