Reproductive Health Uganda (RHU) has awarded a total of two hundred fifteen (215) private companies operating in and outside the Bunyoro sub-region.

The awards recognise their great partnership in fighting against community sexual health and rights among communities in and outside schools.

It was held under the theme: “Celebrating Impact, Strengthening Partnerships, Sustaining Results,” and comes at a time when RHU is phasing out a five-year “Promise 2 Project.”

RHU says the project has left remarkable achievements, including community sensitisation and empowerment to champion young people’s sexual and reproductive health and rights for a future where every young person can thrive.

Jackson Chekwekwo, the Executive Director (ED) of Reproductive Health Uganda (RHU), noted that their partnerships with the private sector brought up numerous achievements, including addressing self-esteem, building confidence, addressing sexual harassment at workplaces, among others.

During the project, he said, they also realised that companies have been able to positively respond to specific gender demands by setting up breastfeeding facilities for women, especially at workplaces.

“As a Promise 2 Project, we remain very happy with the different achievements left behind. We don’t take your cooperation for granted,” he said.

He added: “Our key achievement is that we were able to help eliminate sexually transmitted diseases like HIV and STIs among different company workers.”

Chekwekwo, however, urged different stakeholders, including the private sector and government institutions, to ensure the sustainability of the achievements by continuing to implement the policies laid within their companies.

However, he announced that RHU will remain available to continue providing support to the companies despite the project transition.

Annet Kyarimpa, Director of Programs at RHU, disclosed that the 215 awarded companies include Bugambe Tea, Bwendero Dairy Farm, Butema Brick, Albertine Ltd, Wagagai Ltd, Xclusive Ltd, Dott Services, among others.

George Tamale, a staff member at the Federation of Uganda Employers (FUE), talked about different government mandatory requirements, including representation of workers’ rights and breastfeeding facilities.

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He applauded RHU for executing a successful program which he said addressed several challenges, including weak consumption of SRHR services, dysfunctional work structures and an indecent work environment.

Norman Kyamanywa, ED Bwendero Dairy Farm, appreciated RHU for the implemented project, which he said created a couple of achievements, including addressing sexual harassment at workplaces.

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Hoima Assistant Resident City Commissioner (RCC), Banabas Tugume, who presided over the ceremony, also applauded the implementing partner, RHU, for the great initiative.

The project was implemented between 2022 and 2026.