Buganda Kingdom has pledged continued support for public health initiatives through community mobilisation, sports events and health facilities as cultural and religious leaders join efforts to strengthen disease prevention.
Buganda Kingdom has joined national efforts to promote disease prevention and public health, highlighting its community programmes as cultural and religious leaders call for stronger public participation in healthcare.
The Kingdom was represented by its Second Deputy Katikkiro and Minister of Finance, Robert Waggwa Nsibirwa, at the fourth national conference on disease prevention and health promotion organised by the Ministry of Health at Speke Resort Munyonyo.
Nsibirwa said the Kingdom uses community initiatives to raise health awareness and encourage practices that improve people’s well-being.
He cited the Masaza Cup football tournament, the Kabaka’s Birthday Run, the construction of health facilities and schools, and efforts to educate young people about behaviours that could jeopardise their health and future.
He said these initiatives formed part of the Kingdom’s broader commitment to disease prevention, healthy living and improved access to essential services.
Vice President Jessica Alupo, who was the chief guest, emphasised the importance of involving communities in health promotion.
Alupo said community participation helps people make informed decisions about their health, understand how to prevent diseases and seek professional medical care when necessary.
The Kyabazinga of Busoga, Wilberforce Gabula Nadiope IV, raised concern over teenage pregnancies in the Busoga sub-region, saying the rate had reached 28%, compared with a national average of 24%.
He called for stronger interventions to protect adolescent girls and address the challenges that threaten their health, education and future prospects.
Health Minister Chris Baryomunsi urged members of the public to use health facilities, consult qualified medical professionals and seek reliable information about diseases affecting their communities.
He also called on local leaders to support health promotion programmes and facilitate their implementation rather than obstructing initiatives intended to improve public health.
“Leaders should support initiatives aimed at improving public health and encourage people to visit health facilities to receive the information and medical attention they need,” he said.
Ministry of Health Permanent Secretary Dr Diana Atwiine said traditional and religious leaders had been invited because of their influence and ability to reach people at the grassroots level.
She said their involvement could help the ministry raise awareness, strengthen disease prevention efforts and encourage communities to seek appropriate healthcare.
The conference was the fourth edition of an initiative launched four years ago to strengthen collaboration between the Ministry of Health and cultural and religious leaders in promoting public health across Uganda.
The engagement reflects efforts to use established community networks to complement formal healthcare services and ensure that public health information reaches people beyond health facilities.