KYEGEGWA DISTRICT: Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA) Uganda has commemorated World Breastfeeding Week in the Kyaka II and Rwamwanja refugee settlements in Kyegegwa District. The event, held under the global theme “Prioritize Breastfeeding: Create Sustainable Support Systems,” brought together stakeholders from across sectors, including World Vision, Medical Teams International, and the Office of the Prime Minister.
Throughout the celebrations, participants underscored the critical role of exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of a child’s life, followed by continued breastfeeding up to two years. Mr. Ronald Mugabi from the Ministry of Health noted that while the global target for exclusive breastfeeding is 60%, Uganda currently stands at 48%, indicating a need for strengthened advocacy and support.
Speaking at the event, Mr. Jerry Kiwanuka, Project Manager of ADRA Uganda’s REAL project, emphasized that breastfeeding plays a key role in achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 2 and 3, which focus on zero hunger and good health and well-being. He also pointed to Article 40, Subsection 4 of the Ugandan Constitution, which obligates employers to uphold the maternity rights of working women.
The celebration featured educational presentations, cultural performances, and interactive discussions focused on the benefits of breastfeeding, the challenges faced by mothers, and community-based strategies for support. ADRA’s MEAL Officer, Nakato Faridah, highlighted the organization’s complementary initiatives to boost nutrition for mothers and children through smart climate agriculture and goat-rearing programs.
Local leaders and health officials called on fathers to take an active role in childcare and urged employers to provide adequate maternity leave and breastfeeding-friendly workplace environments. Their message emphasized the importance of establishing sustainable support systems particularly in refugee settings to enable breastfeeding mothers to thrive.
Among the beneficiaries was Sifa Amahoro, a mother receiving care at ADRA Hospital in Kyaka II. She expressed gratitude for the healthcare services provided but shared that she experiences pain while breastfeeding and struggles with low milk supply. She appealed for additional nutritional support, such as porridge, to help improve her condition.
