Celebrating the International Day for the Girl, Uganda recently hosted a ‘Girls Takeovers’ event in collaboration with Plan Uganda, where Peace Harriet Elly, a refugee from Bidi Bidi Settlement, stepped into a leadership role at the British High Commission in Kampala.
Simultaneously, the UK announced £1 million in aid to support Uganda’s response to the mpox outbreak, reflecting its ongoing commitment to public health and empowerment initiatives.
Empowering Uganda’s Youth
Uganda’s ‘Girls Takeovers’ event, spearheaded by Plan Uganda, is designed to give young girls the opportunity to experience leadership roles in various sectors.
This year, Peace Harriet Elly, a 19-year-old refugee from Bidi Bidi Refugee Settlement, took over the office of the British Deputy High Commissioner in Kampala.
The initiative, which focuses on encouraging young girls to pursue their dreams, underscores the resilience of girls living in conflict-affected areas like Peace.
Peace used this platform to shine a light on the challenges refugee girls face, such as limited access to education, high rates of teenage pregnancy, and gender-based violence. She emphasized that these girls still have hope and the potential to change their futures.
Peace’s Speech
In her speech, Peace stated,
“Conflict threatens our future, but it does not take away our resilience or our hope. Today, I stand not just for myself, but for millions of girls around the world enduring similar struggles.”
This powerful message resonated deeply with the audience, inspiring others to advocate for the rights of girls in conflict areas.
Tiffany Kirlew, the British Deputy High Commissioner, echoed this sentiment, adding,
“It’s been a privilege spending the day with Peace. My message to her and other girls is simple: live your full potential. Roadblocks are often just a mindset.”
UK’s Commitment to Uganda’s Mpox Response
Alongside this initiative, the UK has pledged up to £1 million to support Uganda’s ongoing mpox outbreak response. This aid, to be distributed through Baylor College of Medicine and the Infectious Disease Institute, will bolster efforts in surveillance, risk communication, and community engagement.
According to Philip Smith, Acting British High Commissioner to Uganda,
“It is critical that we work with the Government of Uganda to counter this outbreak. The UK stands firm in its support for the people of Uganda, ensuring a timely response to mpox and other public health challenges.”
The UK’s aid package focuses on improving coordination of Uganda’s health response, particularly in affected districts. The assistance will enhance the country’s capacity to manage the outbreak, aligning closely with Uganda’s own mpox response plan.
Health Initiatives Supported by the UK:
- Strengthening the co-ordination of Uganda’s mpox response.
- Enhancing community engagement and public awareness.
- Improving surveillance and monitoring of affected areas.
A Look at Uganda’s Health and Empowerment Landscape
Uganda’s commitment to empowering girls, combined with international support for its public health system, is a testament to the strength of collaboration. The UK has a long-standing history of assisting Uganda in times of crisis.
For instance, during the Ebola outbreak in 2022, the UK contributed £2.2 million to support Uganda’s efforts, an investment that helped improve the country’s health infrastructure.
The intersection of health and education is critical in shaping Uganda’s future. Initiatives like the ‘Girls Takeovers’ program show that young girls, even in the most challenging environments, can rise to leadership roles and advocate for their communities.
The UK’s financial commitment to Uganda’s mpox response reflects a broader effort to strengthen Uganda’s healthcare system, ensuring it can respond effectively to both current and future challenges.
Collaborative Steps Forward
Uganda’s partnership with international organizations like Plan Uganda and the UK government highlights the importance of collective action in addressing complex social and health issues. By supporting both empowerment and public health, Uganda is creating a brighter, more equitable future for its youth.
The UK’s additional funding for mpox response will ensure that communities remain resilient in the face of new public health threats, while initiatives like ‘Girls Takeovers’ continue to inspire the next generation of leaders.
UK’s Financial Support for Uganda’s Health Response
Year |
Health Crisis |
UK Financial Contribution (GBP) |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | Ebola Outbreak | £2.2 million |
| 2023 | Mpox Outbreak | £1 million |
The UK’s continued partnership with Uganda ensures not only a strong response to ongoing health issues but also a sustained investment in the future of Uganda’s youth through empowerment and educational initiatives. Together, these efforts form a foundation for lasting change.
Sources: THX News & British High Commission Kampala.
