IN COOPERATION WITH BERNARD TUSIIME / ACTION 4 HEALTH UGANDA
Action 4 Health Uganda (A4HU) is a new youth empowerment organisation dedicated to mainstream young people’s engagement in socio-economic development and promoting sexual reproductive health and rights (SRHR). It was registered as an entity to take over the operations of DSW Uganda, and remains affiliated to DSW in Germany. This big step deserved a big celebration: a launch with more than 300 guests. Check out some beautiful photos and quotes.
1) The colourful unveiling
DSW’s Executive director Renate Bähr and A4H Uganda’s Chairman Board of Directors Dr Jotham Musinguzi celebrate among their colleagues.
DSW and A4HU cheerfully celebrated the unveiling of a new inscribed plaque. In the same ceremony, DSW’s Executive director Renate Bähr handed over the strategic plan to Action 4 Health’s CEO Bernard Tusiime (pictured below). Further attendees included high-level representatives of governmental and non-governmental organizations, i.e. from GIZ Uganda, EU delegation Uganda, UNFPA Uganda, and USAID Uganda. More than 60 civil society organizations participated, especially those focusing on youth and women, and reproductive health. The launch was also widely attended by Ugandan government officials, including members of Parliament and representatives of the ministries of gender, health, and education.
2) The brand new truck
The land cruiser, purchased by DSW with support of insurance company Wertgarantie, was one of the highlights of the event. Renate Bähr handed the keys to Bernard Tusiime. “The truck will facilitate Action 4 Health Uganda to reach young people and communities including in remote areas, and provide them access to information and training. I hope you use it as much as possible”, she said. Clearly, the youth are already enthusiastic about the new vehicle!
3) The dreams for the future
“From the early beginnings, DSW’s focus was on Eastern Africa, which led to the establishment of four country offices, namely Ethiopia, Kenya and Tanzania and Uganda. The founders always had the vision that the country offices would one day become independent entities which would carry on with their vision”, said Renate Bähr. In this regard, she was delighted to witness the launch of A4HU together with DSW’s country directors from Kenya, Evelyn Samba, and Tanzania, Peter Owaga, as well as the representative for East Africa, Ulrike Neubert. “I am happy to note that A4HU decided to move into the same direction, aligning with DSW’s goals and objectives. I promise continued support to Action 4 Health through capacity building; technical support and collaboration in the implementation of common projects and strategic positioning”.
“This is a dream come true”, said Bernard Tusiime, CEO of Action 4 Health Uganda. “We will strive to empower young people for a healthy future by supporting youth empowerment centres (YECs) and youth clubs in capacity development and organisational management. Action4Health is also committed to strengthen the capacity of health workers to provide routine quality youth-friendly integrated SRHR and family planning services. We are determined to serve this goal and ensure that Action4 is driven to greater heights to achieve her goals as embedded in her strategic plan.”
4) Music & dances
Youth groups joyfully entertained the guests with dances and music. Groups included Nabweru youth group, YTEDA group, and Muvubuka Youth empowerment centre.
GO ACTION4HEALTH UGANDA!
Curious for more DSW cooperations? DSW is currently leading the communications campaign #RightByHer – Where do you stand?, as part of the State of the African Woman Project led by IPPF Africa Region. Check out the new campaign website
