The Isebantu Kyabazinga of Busoga graced the Ministry of Health’s 4th Health Promotion and Disease Prevention Conference as the special guest representing Uganda’s kingdoms and cultural leaders at Speke Resort Munyonyo.
The conference was held under the theme “Positioning Community Structures for Health Promotion and Disease Prevention.”
Kingdoms have grassroots structures, including clan leaders and chiefs, which the Ministry of Health seeks to tap into and strengthen to improve health outcomes in communities.
In his address, the Kyabazinga made a case for kingdoms as partners in community health promotion and disease prevention, highlighting his more than 200,000 Empango Village community safeguarding committees that could be leveraged by the Ministry to support health initiatives.
Addressing participants, including the Vice President of the Republic of Uganda, H.E. Rt. Maj. Jessica Alupo, the monarch highlighted teenage pregnancy as both a social and economic challenge facing the country.
“Addressing teenage pregnancy in Uganda is both a social and economic challenge. Many girls who become mothers during their teenage years never complete primary school, limiting their opportunities and affecting their future livelihoods, which denies Uganda a productive workforce.
“We must therefore work together to keep girls and boys in school and give them opportunities to acquire skills and participate in the money economy,” he said.
The Kyabazinga expressed concern over the high rate of teenage pregnancy in Busoga, which stands at 28 per cent compared to the national rate of 24 per cent, with even higher rates reported in Mayuge, Kamuli and Namayingo districts.
He called for collective action to address the challenge, particularly urging men to take an active role in keeping girls in school, mentoring boys and economically empowering young people.
The monarch reaffirmed his commitment as the UN National Goodwill Ambassador to ending teenage pregnancy, noting that he had mobilised kingdom chiefs, clan leaders and volunteers to support the cause. He also called for closer collaboration between the Kingdom and the Ministry of Health to strengthen community-level interventions.
Speakers at the conference emphasised the importance of strengthening community health systems to prevent illnesses, promote early detection and connect families to essential healthcare services.
A key priority is empowering Village Health Teams (VHTs) and Community Health Extension Workers with the training, tools, technology, supervision and funding they need to serve communities effectively.
Discussions also covered immunisation, maternal and child health, mental health, outbreak preparedness and combating misinformation, reflecting the government’s commitment to protecting lives and improving the well-being of Ugandans.
The Vice President reaffirmed the President’s and government’s commitment to prioritising health and commended the Kyabazinga for his exemplary leadership and championing of health initiatives.
The conference was attended by the Minister of Health, Dr. Chris Baryomunsi; the Ministry of Health’s officials, including Dr. Ayume and Dr. Diana Atwine; Owek. Osman Ahmed Noor; Owek. Yudaya Babirye; Owek. Dr. Andrew Balyeku; and Prince Wilson Nadiope, among other dignitaries.
