The Government of Uganda, through the Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development (MoGLSD), on 29th April, 2026, launched the National Guidelines on Health Education and Life Skills for Out-of-School Adolescents and Youth in a significant step towards improving access to Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) information and services for vulnerable young people across the country. The launch marked a major milestone in addressing the growing challenges faced by millions of adolescents and youth who remain outside the formal education system.
Uganda has one of the youngest populations in the world, with many young people facing barriers such as poverty, teenage pregnancy, child marriage, disability, displacement, and unemployment, which limit their access to education and critical health information. As a result, many out-of-school adolescents remain vulnerable to HIV infections, gender-based violence, early pregnancies, exploitation, and limited livelihood opportunities.
The newly launched guidelines aim to bridge this gap by providing age-appropriate and culturally sensitive health education and life skills tailored to the realities of out-of-school youth. Developed through a multi-sectoral approach involving government institutions, civil society organizations, and development partners, the guidelines are expected to strengthen community-based learning, improve awareness on SRHR, and empower young people to make informed decisions about their health and future.
SRHR Alliance Uganda welcomed the launch of the guidelines, noting that they will play a critical role in ensuring that no young person is left behind in accessing accurate SRHR information and services. The Alliance emphasized the importance of investing in comprehensive sexuality education, youth-friendly services, and meaningful community engagement to improve the wellbeing of adolescents and young people.
Stakeholders also called for stronger collaboration between government, civil society, cultural leaders, parents, and communities to support the implementation of the guidelines and address harmful social norms that continue to affect young people. There was a shared recognition that empowering adolescents and youth with knowledge and life skills is essential for improving health outcomes, reducing inequalities, and contributing to national development.
As Uganda continues to strengthen its response to adolescent health challenges, the launch of these guidelines represents a positive step toward creating a more informed, empowered, and resilient generation of young people.