Early pregnancies, HIV and other sexually transmitted infections, as well as limited future opportunities, pose serious challenges for many young people in Uganda – particularly in rural areas, peri-urban communities, and urban slums. These challenges are largely driven by restricted access to comprehensive sexuality education, contraception, and youth-friendly healthcare services.

At the same time, recent cuts in international funding are placing further strain on an already fragile system. Reductions in support from the United States – formerly one of the leading global donors in HIV prevention and family planning – are having a direct impact on programs for prevention, testing, treatment, and access to contraception. Countries like Uganda are especially affected.

Through the project “Youth Truck – Future on Wheels,” we work alongside our local partner, Action for Health Uganda (A4HU), to support young people aged 10 to 24 in Kampala, Wakiso, and Mukono. A specially equipped truck travels to hard-to-reach communities, creating safe spaces for education, dialogue, and access to healthcare.

The Youth Truck team uses edutainment to connect with young people in a low-threshold, relatable way. Music, theater, and sports events, along with workshops and community dialogues, address topics such as relationships, sexuality, contraception, HIV prevention, and life skills. At the same time, mobile health camps are organised in collaboration with local health authorities, offering free services including HIV testing, counseling, and access to contraceptives. Intergenerational dialogues and workshops help build young people’s confidence and empower them to express their needs, ask questions, and actively participate in decisions within their families and communities.

Each year, a total of 8,720 young people benefit from the Youth Truck’s activities – including many young mothers and single parents who receive targeted support. In addition to education and healthcare services, the Youth Truck also provides practical training in financial literacy and small-scale entrepreneurship, helping to improve young people’s long-term economic prospects. Twelve youth advisors from local A4HU youth clubs play a key role by mobilising their peers when the Youth Truck visits their communities, ensuring that knowledge is shared and sustained.

The project is receiving financial support from the German Postcode Lottery.