Yesterday, June 30th, 2025, Dreams of the Tropical Youth Uganda joined fellow member organizations at the Kolping Hotel in Bwaise, Kampala, for the Uganda Alcohol Policy Alliance (UAPA) Annual General Meeting. This significant gathering brought together a vibrant coalition of civil society organizations dedicated to reducing alcohol-related harm in Uganda through evidence-based policy advocacy. The event was a powerful opportunity to reflect on our collective progress, strategize for the future, and strengthen our commitment to public health and community well-being. The atmosphere was charged with purpose as we reviewed the impact of initiatives like the Alcohol Drinks Control Bill 2023 and planned for continued advocacy.

The AGM saw robust participation from UAPA’s member organizations, showcasing the coalition’s diversity and shared vision. Present were Dreams of the Tropical Youth Uganda, Uganda Youth Development Link, Uganda Girl Guides Association, LM International, UNAC, Hope and Beyond, Your Ally Foundation and other key stakeholders, totaling 24 organizations. Each group brought unique perspectives, from grassroots community engagement to policy analysis, enriching discussions on how to advance alcohol control policies. The presence of these organizations underscored the collaborative spirit driving UAPA’s mission to protect Ugandans from the adverse effects of alcohol misuse.

A highlight of the AGM was the election of new board members, a process that reflected the coalition’s commitment to democratic governance. Among the 24 participating member organizations, Dreams of the Tropical Youth Uganda proudly secured a board member position. This achievement is a testament to our dedication to youth empowerment and advocacy for healthier communities. The election process was transparent and competitive, with each organization presenting its vision for UAPA’s future. Our new role on the board strengthens our resolve to amplify youth voices in shaping policies that address alcohol-related harm and promote sustainable development.

As we move forward, Dreams of the Tropical Youth Uganda is energized by the outcomes of the AGM and our deepened role within UAPA. The discussions and connections made at Kolping Hotel have reinvigorated our commitment to collaborate with fellow members like Uganda Youth Development Link and others to push for the Alcohol Drinks Control Bill and other critical initiatives. We are grateful for the opportunity to contribute to this vital coalition and look forward to leveraging our board position to drive meaningful change. Together, we will continue to advocate for policies that safeguard the health and dignity of Ugandans, ensuring a brighter, healthier future for all.

In Kyango village, Kyotera, Uganda, access to safe and clean water remains a critical challenge that profoundly impacts the daily lives of residents, particularly girls and young people. With limited functional water points, Kyotera district has 1,101 domestic water points, 128 of which have been non-functional for over five years, and many people are forced to rely on distant and often contaminated sources like ponds or open wells. This scarcity disproportionately burdens girls, who are typically tasked with fetching water, compelling them to walk long distances, sometimes up to three hours, to collect just a few litres. These journeys not only consume valuable time that could be spent on education or other productive activities but also expose them to risks such as physical strain and unsafe encounters, perpetuating a cycle of hardship and missed opportunities.

The reliance on unclean water sources in Kyango village exacerbates health challenges, as waterborne diseases like diarrhea and typhoid remain prevalent. Over 4,500 children in Uganda die annually from diarrheal diseases linked to unsafe water, and in rural areas like Kyotera, 88% of such cases are preventable with improved water access and sanitation. Girls, who often bear the responsibility of caregiving when family members fall ill, face additional disruptions to their education and menstrual health management. The physical toll of carrying heavy water containers, often weighing up to 40 pounds, further compounds their struggles, limiting their ability to engage in school or income-generating activities and reinforcing gender inequalities in the community.

Efforts to address this crisis are underway, but significant gaps remain. In Kyotera, only two piped schemes exist, and access rates vary widely, from 29% in Kyebe Sub-County to 95% in Kasaali Sub-County. Community-driven solutions, such as training local committees to manage water points, offer hope for sustainable change, but the scale of the problem demands greater investment and coordination. By prioritizing safe water access, we can alleviate the burden on girls and young people in Kyango, empowering them to pursue education, health, and a brighter future.

Will you join us to realize this ambition?

Dreams of the Tropical Youth Uganda is joining international efforts to promote a society in which no girl is hindered by her menstruation as the globe commemorates Menstrual Hygiene Day 2025. Our continued dedication to shattering taboos, eliminating stigma, and guaranteeing that every girl has access to period health information and products, particularly in underprivileged rural communities like Kyotera, Masaka and Rakai, is reflected in the theme, “Together for a #PeriodFriendlyWorld.”

Menstrual products are still considered a luxury in many parts of Uganda, where impoverished girls frequently use unsafe materials like banana fibers, old rags, or even sit on sand while they are menstruating, putting them at risk for infections, dropping out of school, and embarrassment. Today, we took a step toward change by giving menstrual cups and knickers to girls in need. This donation was about more than just supplies; it was about dignity, safety, and opportunity, and it was about telling every girl: “Your period should not stop your progress.”

Since our founding, we have built six WASH facilities to keep girls in school and provided menstrual health education to over 65 schools. However, the journey goes on. We think that governments, communities, and individuals must collaborate to prioritize menstrual health as a human right if we are to create a #PeriodFriendlyWorld. We reaffirm our commitment today to make sure no girl is left behind due to her menstruation. Join us — let’s make periods natural, safe, and shame-free.