First-hand insights into sexual and reproductive health and rights in Uganda for EU parliamentarians
News details
In April 2025, the European Parliamentary Forum for Sexual and Reproductive Rights (EPF), in partnership with Reproductive Health Uganda (RHU), organised a study tour to Uganda for Accredited Parliamentary Assistants (APAs) to Members of the European Parliament. The five-day visit provided participants with first-hand exposure to the realities of sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) in both urban and rural settings.
The delegation engaged with frontline health workers, government officials, youth leaders, and civil society organisations to explore key challenges and opportunities in SRHR service delivery. Site visits included clinics and outreach programmes in Kampala, Tororo, and Busia districts. Particular emphasis was placed on youth access to contraception, male involvement, and maternal health.
A key highlight of the tour was the visit to the Safe Birth Africa sites in Kampala, part of the Team Europe Initiative on SRHR implemented by UNFPA, and Unitaid, which is reducing maternal deaths due to postpartum haemorrhage.
“Our study visit to Uganda was amazing. We visited different communities, settings, and projects by various donors. I must say, the clinics in Kampala that are part of the Safe Birth Africa project stood out as the most professional and impactful. It was a powerful experience for the Assistants. The EU Delegation and Team Europe members on the ground were incredibly responsive and supportive.”
The full tour report and recommendations are available below. Key takeaways include:
- SRHR gains are fragile and reversible
- Uganda’s youth demographics demand urgency
- Donor retraction is widening gaps
- Anti-gender movements are fuelling backlash
- Youth-led innovation is driving access
- Male involvement is key
The tour strengthened participants' knowledge of how Team Europe efforts and local leadership intersect in practice and comes at a timely moment ahead of the next EU Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF). The insights gathered are expected to inform parliamentary advocacy for sustained and targeted EU investment in SRHR.