Health workers in Uganda are advocating for expanded age-appropriate sexuality education for girls to help reduce the incidence of unsafe abortions. During a Media Café organized by the Health Journalists Network Uganda (HEJNU), Joyce Najjemba, a nursing officer at Mulago Specialised Women and Neonatal Hospital, emphasized the importance of this education in addressing the high number of unsafe abortions reported in the country.

In Kayunga District, teenage pregnancies have become a significant concern, with nearly one in five deliveries at Bbaale Health Centre IV involving girls under 18. Health officials reported that in the past six months, 107 out of 570 mothers who delivered at the facility were below this age. The issue has been exacerbated by allegations of relatives coercing young girls into sexual relationships, which was highlighted during an International Women’s Day event at the health centre.

The State House health monitoring unit has identified several challenges contributing to maternal deaths in Bududa, Uganda, during a two-week visit to local health facilities. The team, led by Dr. Stephen Ataro Ayella, the assistant Director for northern Uganda, reported on the poor health delivery affecting expectant mothers in the region.

During the celebration of International Women’s Day 2026 in Uganda, Kayunga District emphasized the urgent issue of lacking a functional ambulance at Bbaale Health Centre IV, which endangers the lives of expectant mothers. The event, themed "Scaling up Investment to Accelerate Access to Justice for All Women and Girls," highlighted maternal health concerns while health workers pointed out the critical infrastructure gap affecting emergency services.

Uganda's boat ambulances are crucial for remote island communities on Africa's largest lake, providing emergency evacuations and outreach vaccinations. An example highlighted is the case of Rebecca Nabiryo, who experienced complications during her pregnancy while living on an island, prompting midwife Ruth Gokyalya to seek urgent assistance. These services are vital for addressing healthcare needs in isolated areas.

Uganda is facing a growing cancer burden, with over 37,000 new diagnoses and nearly 28,000 deaths annually, according to recent estimates. Cervical cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths among women, while prostate cancer is the most prevalent among men. This situation is putting significant pressure on patients, families, and the healthcare system.