KAMPALA, Uganda — The SRHR Alliance Uganda announced Wednesday, July 16, 2025, the conclusion of its five-year “We Lead” program, an initiative focused on strengthening sexual reproductive health and rights (SRHR) for young women.
The program’s end was marked by a close-out event at the Serena Hotel in Kampala. The theme was “From margins to movement: Five years of transforming SRHR realities.” The event aimed to celebrate achievements, share lessons, promote sustainability, and solidify the program’s legacy in advancing the leadership, rights and health of marginalized young women and girls.
Attendees included project beneficiaries, Community of Action Organizations (CoAs), rights holders and consortium partners such as Restless Development, FEMNET and Positive Vibes. Also present were donor representatives from HIVOS, district government officials, members of the National Youth Council, representatives from the Dutch Embassy in Uganda, members of Parliament and cultural leaders.
The “We Lead” program, which ran from 2021 to 2025, aimed to boost the influence and position of young women whose SRHR are often overlooked. It sought to empower young women to claim their SRHR.
The initiative targeted four rights-holder groups: young women and adolescent girls living with HIV, those with disabilities, young key populations and those affected by displacement.
The Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs funded “We Lead” through the SRHR Partnership Fund. Hivos was the lead partner, with Positive Vibes, Restless Development and FEMNET as consortium partners in Africa.
In Uganda, the program was implemented in eight districts: Terego, Arua, Gulu, Amuru, Jinja, Kamuli, Busia and Tororo.
The SRHR Alliance Uganda hosted the program, coordinating 16 Community of Action organizations, including HRAPF, FEM Alliance and NAFOPHANU.
The deputy mayor of Jinja, the chief guest, praised the project’s success and urged continued efforts even without additional funding.
“We should not bury the fruits of this project,” she said. “You have built the confidence of beneficiaries who once had low self-esteem. What we now need is a multiplier effect of this project, with or without additional funding.”
She challenged government agencies, like the National Youth Council, to learn from the initiative and replicate it, noting their responsibility to address these issues and ensure youth-friendly spaces in hospitals.
Program Achievements
SRHR Alliance Executive Director Olgah Daphynne Namukuza highlighted several key achievements.
“While we also engaged boys and men in some areas, our central focus was on empowering young women and girls to realize their sexual and reproductive health and rights,” Namukuza said. “We aimed to ensure that, as they grow, they understand their rights, particularly the right to access health services without discrimination.”
She noted the program strengthened capacity and provided human rights education, supporting the young women’s growth and confidence. Beyond health, it also addressed economic empowerment, providing tools for independent living.
“We’ve worked to ensure that Uganda’s health systems — especially in those districts — are youth-friendly and inclusive, so that these young women can access sexual and reproductive health services without fear of judgment, stigma or discrimination,” Namukuza added.
She said the program empowered young women to advocate for themselves with duty bearers, policymakers and community leaders. Progress includes local leaders in districts like Kamuli enacting bylaws for people with disabilities to access services and passing ordinances to address child marriage and early pregnancy.
“Of course, we acknowledge that challenges remain — and we don’t claim to have solved everything,” Namukuza said. “But to a great extent, I am confident that we have delivered on our mandate and created a foundation that can be built upon going forward.”
Beneficiary Experience
Jimbo Shanurah, Youth Chairperson of the National AGYW forum, shared her experience.
“There were times when the shame and stigma spoke louder than my voice,” Shanurah said. “But now we find ourselves in spaces that are inclusive and affirming. Our experiences are heard. Our ideas are valued. Our rights are upheld. And our potential has been unlocked.”
