During her visit to Uganda, Angela Bahr, the Chief of Programs at DSW (Deutsche Stiftung Weltbevölkerung), accompanied by Mrs. Sarah Kintu, CEO of Action 4 Health Uganda (A4HU), visited the newly refurbished Youth Friendly Corners (YFCs) at Malangala Health Centre III and Bulera Health Centre III in Mityana District. The refurbishment was made possible through generous financial support from the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) under the TeamUp Uganda program, where A4HU serves as an implementing partner. The visit offered a valuable opportunity to observe the tangible improvements in adolescent health services and to celebrate the transformation of this youth-centered space into a safe, inclusive, and empowering environment for young people.
At the youth-friendly corner at Malangala Health Centre III, they were warmly welcomed by a dedicated team that included peer facilitators Peter Kabugujjo, Kiyingi George, and Matovu Vincent; Youth Champion Yiga Steven; Youth Empowerment Center Administrator Nakanjako Hellen; and health worker Nabatanzi Rebecca, the facility’s focal person for adolescent health. The team provided insight into how well the facility was operating, the variety and accessibility of services offered, and how referrals and service linkages were managed. The visitors’ presence also symbolized a moment of reflection on how far the program had come and the impact it was having on lives.
The youth corner serves between 900 and 1,000 adolescents every month with services including family planning, STI screening, counseling, health education, and immunization. Thursdays are reserved for young mothers, a targeted approach that has played a critical role in reducing stigma, enhancing care-seeking behaviours among young mothers, and contributing to a noticeable decline in unsafe abortions.
Rebecca Nabatanzi, the focal health worker at the facility, expressed heartfelt gratitude to Action 4 Health Uganda and DSW for the unwavering support in establishing the youth corner. “You have helped create a safe space where young people feel respected, accepted, and empowered to seek the care they need without fear of discrimination,” she said. “Your efforts have made a lasting impact—not just on individual lives but on the entire community.”
The visit culminated in a symbolic tree planting ceremony within the compound of the Youth Friendly Corner. This gesture marked the day’s significance and planted seeds of continued growth and hope. This was followed by a group photo, capturing the unity and shared commitment of all involved.
Angela Bahr during the tree planting ceremony at the youth-friendly corner
Vincent Matovu, one of the peer facilitators, shared a powerful testimony:
“We thank the TeamUp Uganda initiative for the knowledge and leadership skills it has given us. It has strengthened our relationship with health workers, empowered us to support our peers, and improved our standing in the community. We are now being recognized by other organizations, which is opening new doors and improving livelihoods in our respective communities.”
Angela Bahr’s visit to the Youth-friendly corners was more than just a routine check-in; it was a heartwarming celebration of resilience, youth leadership, and community transformation. This visit beautifully reaffirmed the importance of investing in adolescent health and highlighted the incredible impact of creating spaces where young people can flourish with dignity, support, and opportunity.
