KAMPALA, Uganda – The British High Commission Kampala and UNFPA, the United Nations Population Fund Uganda Country Office are pleased to announce a new strategic partnership aimed at strengthening access to family planning services through Uganda’s private sector. Through a contribution of £785,220 under the programme “Empowering Women for Better Reproductive Health Outcomes” (EMPOWER), the UK Government is supporting a catalytic nine-month intervention in the Kampala Metropolitan Area, including parts of Mukono and Wakiso. Under the EMPOWER programme; over 500 health workers from at least 250 private clinics, pharmacies and drug shops will be trained in comprehensive family planning services delivery, and digital and AI-powered chatbots will be deployed to reach over 500,000 individuals with tailored family planning messages.

The EMPOWER initiative aligns with the Ministry of Health’s Total Market Approach (TMA) and Family Planning Costed Implementation Plan II (FP-CIP II), and is designed to promote sustainable, market-based solutions.

“This partnership reflects the UK’s commitment to modern development cooperation — one that empowers local systems, strengthens private sector engagement, and delivers lasting impact,” said Philip Smith, Development Director at the British High Commission. “By investing in family planning, we are investing in women’s health, economic empowerment, and Uganda’s national development.”

“This contribution comes at a critical time,” said Ms. Gift Malunga, UNFPA Uganda Country Representative. “It will help unlock the potential of Uganda’s private sector to deliver high-quality, client-centered family planning services — ensuring that no woman is left behind.”

This partnership underscores the shared commitment of the UK and UNFPA towards advancing universal health coverage, gender equality, and the Sustainable Development Goals in Uganda.