Inception Meeting for EMPOWER Programme on Family Planning Held in Apac District

Apac, Uganda—July 1, 2025— The Apac District Local Government, in partnership with the Ministry of Health and development partners, has officially launched the EMPOWER Program through a high-level inception meeting aimed at strengthening family planning services and reproductive health rights across the district.

The meeting, held at the Apac District Health Boardroom on 25/6/2025, brought together stakeholders from the health sector, civil society organizations, and local leaders. The EMPOWER (Enhancing Women for Better Reproductive Health Outcomes) program seeks to improve access to family planning information and services, reduce unmet needs, and address cultural and social barriers affecting reproductive health.

Presiding over the meeting, the acting deputy chief administrative officer of Apac District commended the initiative as timely and crucial in addressing high fertility rates and adolescent pregnancies in the District.

“The EMPOWER Program will complement our ongoing efforts to strengthen the capacity of health workers, improve commodity availability, and raise community awareness on family planning and reproductive rights,” she noted.

The team from the Ministry of Health presented the program framework, which emphasizes community engagement, mass media involvement, capacity building, and youth-friendly services. The program will be rolled out in phases, starting with high-burden sub-counties identified through district health data.

Key discussions during the meeting focused on the role of cultural leaders in advocating for family planning, integrating services at community and facility levels, and the need for sustained funding and policy support. Stakeholders pledged their commitment to ensuring that no woman or adolescent is left behind in accessing quality reproductive health services.

Representatives from partner organizations, including PATHFINDER and UYAHF, reiterated their support and emphasized the importance of local ownership and accountability in achieving the program’s goals.

The EMPOWER Program is expected to run for five years and will serve as a cornerstone in Apac District’s strategy to meet national targets under Uganda’s Family Planning 2030 commitments and Sustainable Development Goals.

For media inquiries, contact
District Communications Office
Apac District Local Government
Email: [email protected] | Tel: +256 789502642