Celebrating a New Chapter in Health and Gender Equality: Iceland Embassy Invests 700,000 Euros in Kalangala.

Wednesday, 21 May, 2025

Amref Health Africa is thrilled to announce a significant milestone in its ongoing efforts to advance health and gender equality in Uganda. The Embassy of Iceland has committed an additional 700,000 Euros to the Heroes for Gender Transformative Action programme, marking a major boost in Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR), Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) prevention, and Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) interventions in Kalangala District. This new phase builds on the strong foundation laid in Namayingo, Mayuge, Bukwo, Kween, Budaka, Mbale District, where the Heroes programme has already transformed lives. With tangible success stories and community-driven results, it became clear that the model could bring similar impact to Kalangala. Through this funding, we’re scaling up activities that will make a real difference in people’s lives.

Children in Kalangala district – Mulabana sub county fetching water from the lake. This is unsafe water for domestic use and also puts the children’s life at risk for example they are usually attacked by Hippos and Crocodiles.

This additional funding is not just a financial contribution it is a pledge to transform lives, promote dignity, and protect the rights of vulnerable groups, especially women, girls, and persons with disabilities.

The investment will focus on:

Construction of a new Skilling Center – A safe haven to empower survivors of SGBV with vocational skills, promoting long-term resilience and independence.
Establishment of a 24/7 helpline – Equipped with a standby generator, this platform will ensure survivors and those in distress can access timely, confidential support.
Inclusive Comprehensive Sexuality Education (CSE) – Tailored to reach all groups, including adolescents with disabilities, this component will break stigma and empower communities with knowledge.
Expanded safe water and sanitation facilities – Targeted improvements in schools and health facilities will address critical hygiene gaps, especially for adolescent girls.

Kalangala, an island district with limited access to health services, faces unique geographical and infrastructural barriers. The Iceland Embassy recognized the district’s need for targeted interventions and acknowledged the proven success of the Heroes programme elsewhere. By investing in Kalangala, the Embassy is helping to bridge the health equity gap and ensure that no one is left behind.

Amref Health Africa is also a proud to partner with Kalangala Infrastructure Services (KIS) to support long-term sustainability of the project’s gains. Together, we are working to ensure that the principles of Acceptability, Availability, Accessibility, and Quality (AAAQ) are at the heart of service delivery.

This grant is more than a celebration it is a commitment to action. Amref and the Embassy of Iceland reaffirm their dedication to building healthier, safer, and more empowered communities in Uganda.

“With this new investment, we are not just funding projects—we are unlocking potential, restoring dignity, and creating pathways for a healthier future in Kalangala,” said Dr. Patrick Kagurusi, the Country Manager of Amref health Africa in Uganda.

Let us rise together to ensure that health, safety, and opportunity reach every corner of the island. Together, we are heroes for gender transformative action.