More than 50 women and girls at Makusa Landing Site in Kigungu accessed free medical and counselling services on Saturday, February 14, during a community outreach dedicated to strengthening personal safety and sexual and reproductive health.
The initiative was led by Family Medical Point (FMP) in partnership with Rotary Club of Abaita Ababiri (in formation). It specifically targeted women and girls, who remain among the most vulnerable and underserved groups in fishing communities.
Through what organizers described as a “Musawo Session,” health professionals offered free HIV testing, screening and treatment for sexually transmitted infections (STIs), and distributed condoms, lubricants, and contraceptives. The outreach combined preventive care, treatment, and health education in a setting designed to be accessible and confidential.
“The purpose of this session was to deliver a comprehensive health talk on sexual and reproductive health and rights,” said Pauline Nabwire, Head of Programs at Family Medical Point. “Given that it was Valentine’s Day, we emphasized safer sex practices, prevention of STIs, unwanted pregnancies, and unsafe abortions.”
Nakito Mariam, Public Relations Officer at the Rotary Club of Abaita Ababiri (in formation), said the club responded to the urgent health and social needs evident within fishing communities.
“Guided by Rotary’s principle of Service Above Self, we chose to mark Valentine’s Day by sharing love through health services with the people of Kigungu–Makusa,” she said. “The turnout was overwhelming, and it was deeply rewarding to see women accessing testing, treatment, and professional medical care.”
Legal empowerment was also incorporated into the outreach, with Center for Women Justice Uganda providing pro bono legal education and guidance.
Amito Mercy, Legal Officer at the organization, noted that many women in fishing communities face serious legal challenges but lack the resources to pursue justice.
“We educated participants about their rights and assured them of the free legal services available to them. These communities frequently encounter cases of child neglect, divorce, gender-based violence, and sexual assault, yet many survivors cannot afford legal representation,” she explained.
To further encourage openness and trust, counsellors created confidential “safe spaces” where women freely discussed HIV prevention, adherence to treatment, and access to reproductive health services without fear of stigma.
Nampeera Doreen, 43, a resident of Makusa, described the area as high-risk, with limited access to accurate sexual health information.
“Makusa is a hotspot with many challenges. Interventions like this help reduce sexually transmitted infections and give us knowledge we often lack. We are grateful to Family Medical Point and its partners for reaching out to our community,” she said.
For 21-year-old Nanteeza Latifa, the outreach proved life-changing. Diagnosed with an STI during the session, she received immediate treatment.
“I had symptoms but could not afford testing or medication. Today, I received the care I needed, and I am thankful,” she said.
Although organizers initially planned to serve 50 women and girls, attendance far exceeded expectations, a clear indication of the growing demand for accessible healthcare and counselling services in underserved fishing communities.
Communities along Lake Victoria have long been identified by public health experts as high-risk areas for HIV, STIs, gender-based violence, and limited access to reproductive health services. Outreach programs such as the Musawo Sessions aim to close these gaps by bringing essential services including testing, treatment, counselling, and legal support directly to vulnerable populations.
Organizers emphasized that beyond delivering medical care, the Valentine’s Day outreach promoted awareness, restored dignity, and reinforced personal safety vital pillars in improving the wellbeing of women and girls in marginalized communities.
