Every 26th September, the world stops to shine a spotlight on contraception. But here in Uganda, World Contraception Day is far more than a date on the global health calendar – it’s a moment to reflect on our sexual and reproductive health programmes -the progress made, the challenges that remain, and the gaps yet to be filled. It is also a call to action, a day of courage, and a symbol of hope.
For young people, contraception is more than preventing pregnancy -it is about securing their future. It represents freedom: the ability to make informed choices about their bodies and lives without fear or pressure. It is about their education, and their right to pursue opportunities on equal footing with their peers. And it is about health: contraception offers dual protection, guarding against both unintended pregnancies and sexually transmitted infections.
It is the power to decide if, when, and how to have children. It is breaking the silence around sexuality. It is dismantling harmful myths. And above all, it is ensuring that young people regardless of who they are or where they live have inclusive and stigma-free access to sexual and reproductive health services.
RHU at the Frontline
For decades, Reproductive Health Uganda has centred young people in SRHR programming. We have stood firmly and committed to promoting access to SRHR services to young people. Our belief is simple yet powerful: young people matter.
Through our nationwide network of clinics, youth corners, digital campaigns, and community outreaches that go the extra mile, RHU ensures that contraception and SRHR services reach those who need them most. In the last five years, RHU has delivered more than 11.6M SRHR services to young people across Uganda. This milestone reflects our commitment to ensuring that no young person is left behind when it comes to their sexual and reproductive health.
The range of services we provide includes:
- Family planning –from short-term to long-acting contraceptives, supported by expert counselling and follow-up.
- HIV services –testing, treatment, and prevention, integrated into broader reproductive health care.
- Sexuality education –delivered through peer educators, youth-friendly spaces, and digital platforms.
- STI screening and treatment –protecting young people from preventable illness and long-term health risks.
- Maternal health services –offering antenatal care and safe delivery support for young mothers.
- Cervical cancer screening –equipping young women with life-saving information and early detection.
RHU’s stand is clear: every young person has the right to SRHR -without stigma, barriers, or discrimination.
Commitments We Must Make Together
While access to contraception can be challenging, each obstacle is a doorway to renewed commitment and collective progress. On this World Contraception Day, RHU is committed and calls upon all stakeholders: health workers, parents, policymakers, cultural leaders, and communities, to stand with young people and help remove these obstacles by committing to:
- Creating stigma-free spaces -ensuring health workers and community members treat every young person with respect, compassion, and confidentiality.
- Promoting accurate information –replacing myths and misconceptions with facts, education, and open dialogue about contraception.
- Bringing services closer investing in youth corners, mobile outreaches, and affordable options that reach even the most remote communities.
- Challenging harmful gender norms –supporting girls and young women to stay in school, delay marriage, and make their own choices about their bodies.
- Uplifting vulnerable groups –making sure refugee young people, young people with disabilities, and those living in poverty are fully included and never left behind.
The Future We Want
At RHU, we envision a Uganda where every young person, no matter their background, can boldly declare: My body. My choice. My future.
That’s why we continue to innovate, advocate, and deliver services that meet young people where they are; and this World Contraception Day, we recommit to our vision of a Uganda where everyone’s SRHR are protected and fulfilled
#WCDUg25 #WeAreRHU
