On Wednesday, 30 April 2024, UNFPA and the Embassy of Denmark launched the SAY (Strengthening Adolescents and Youth Empowerment and Rights) programme in Northern Uganda, marking the beginning of a transformative 4-year initiative.

With a generous funding of DKK 100,000,000 (approximately 55 billion  Uganda Shillings), the programme is set to run until December 2027, and will be rolled out in five refugee-hosting and affected districts in West Nile and Acholi Sub-Regions: Adjumani, Obongi, Lamwo, Moyo and Kitgum.

From WAY to SAY: The SAY program represents a significant and progressive shift from the Women, Adolescents, and Youth (WAY)   programme. Its launch addresses the urgent sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) needs among refugees and host communities in West Nile and Acholi sub-regions. 

SAY aims to empower adolescents and youth, particularly adolescent girls, who encounter obstacles in accessing SRHR information and services. It also tackles challenges such as teenage pregnancy, child marriage and SGBV, which profoundly affect the educational, health and developmental prospects of young girls, especially in Northern Uganda.

The strategic alignment of the UNFPA 9th Country Programme (2021-2025) and the Danish Country Strategic Framework (2023-2028) with the SAY programme significantly contributes to both the Uganda Comprehensive Refugee Response Framework and the National Health Sector Refugee Response Plan.

Speaking at the SAY launch, Ms. Gift Malunga, UNFPA Country Representative, commended the Danish Embassy for their unwavering dedication to enhancing sexual and reproductive rights for young people. Ms. Malunga emphasized the opportunities of Uganda’s young and vibrant population, and the critical importance of investing in and empowering youth, especially girls, to ensure the country’s economic growth and development as well as realizing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

“Collaborating with the Royal Danish Embassy and CSO partners, we will continue supporting the Government of Uganda to improve SRHR, rights fulfillment and freedom of choice, particularly for the most vulnerable adolescents and young girls and boys,” she affirmed.

In alignment, the Ambassador of Denmark to Uganda, H.E. Signe Winding Albjerg, highlighted the significance of ensuring that SRHR services are accessible to all without discrimination. 

She further reiterated the Embassy's pleasure in working with UNFPA and partners for the implementation of the SAY programme, reaffirming Denmark's commitment to supporting Refugee Response in Uganda.

UNFPA reaffirms the joint commitment to enhancing the lives of Uganda’s youthful population through strategic and inclusive support across various sectors.