By Sandra Namuganza IRCU Program Officer – Youth and Children Affairs

KAMPALA, Uganda – It started quietly. Tents were raised in busy markets, health workers arranged testing kits on tables, and young volunteers walked through crowded trading centers calling out, “Health services are here!” Soon, the crowds arrived—mothers with children, boda boda riders stopping for blood pressure checks, and market vendors stepping away from their stalls.

With recent Ebola preparedness conversations reminding the country that public health cannot wait for emergencies, trusted community action remains vital. Uganda still faces heavy burdens from malaria, tuberculosis (TB), and HIV/AIDS, which disproportionately affect young people.

To tackle this, the Ministry of Health, the Inter-Religious Council of Uganda (IRCU) through the Youth Interfaith Network Uganda (YINU), and Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) joined forces. On May 22, 2026, they rolled out integrated community health outreaches and barazas (community dialogues) across all five divisions of Kampala.

Two days prior, interfaith youth and religious leaders gathered for an orientation session. They were mentored on spreading accurate information from the Ministry of Health, promoting handwashing, encouraging early treatment for malaria and TB, and fighting the fear and stigma often tied to HIV and Ebola.

Following the training, outreach teams deployed to key locations across the city:

• Kampala Central Division: KCCA Primary School, Kamwokya

• Nakawa Division: Katoogo, Mbuya

• Rubaga Division: Lubya

• Kawempe Division: Kalerwe Market

• Makindye Division: Kabagalala Riverside

Residents gathered in large numbers to access free services, including HIV testing and counseling, TB screening, malaria testing, blood pressure checks, and immunizations.

In Kamwokya, the turnout was especially high among young people and mothers. The outreach successfully created a safe space for direct, meaningful engagement between health workers, youth leaders, and the community—proving that when doors open to unity, health and hope follow.

Read more … When Communities Opened Their Doors