By Aggrey Baba
Religious institutions are expected to play a central role in implementing Uganda’s new National Framework for Education on Health and Life Skills, with the Interreligious Council of Uganda pledging to coordinate stakeholders and support the delivery of the programme.
The framework, developed since March 2025 under the leadership of the Ministry of Education and Sports, brings together government agencies, religious organizations and other stakeholders to provide coordinated guidance to children and young people.
It is scheduled for official launch on Wednesday, October 28, 2026, 9:00am at the office of the President in Kampala.
Reverend Daniel Wejuri, representing the Interreligious Council of Uganda, said, while addressing the media at the Uganda Media center, on Monday, that the framework was intended to address concerns about uncoordinated materials and approaches used to teach health and life skills.
He said religious institutions had an important role because of their involvement in education and health service delivery across the country.
According to Rev. Wejuri, the council would help coordinate participating stakeholders to support implementation and monitor how the framework was being applied.
He also urged schools and other education institutions to familiarize themselves with the framework and fulfil their responsibilities in implementing it.
According to Rev. Wejuri, the initiative followed consultations among Ugandans and stakeholders, with the intention of developing an approach that reflected the country’s values and circumstances.
He explained that the earlier National Sexuality Education Framework had raised concerns among some stakeholders, partly because of its title and the impressions it created.
He said the subsequent process brought stakeholders together to develop a broader framework addressing health and life skills.
Wejuri called on the Ministry of Education and Sports to maintain its leadership role, noting that while religious organizations and other ministries would contribute to implementation, formal education remained the responsibility of the education ministry.
The framework was developed in collaboration with the Office of the First Lady, Ministry of Health, Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development, Uganda AIDS Commission and other stakeholders.
It covers growth and human development, relationships, life skills and keeping safe, health and well-being, and responsible citizenship.
The programme is intended to reach both school-going children and young people outside schools.
Its official launch is scheduled for 9am at the Conference Hall in the Office of the President.
