More than 50 women and girls at Makusa landing site in Kigungu have received free medical care, counselling and legal support during a Valentine’s Day community outreach aimed at improving sexual and reproductive health in fishing communities.
The initiative was organised by Family Medical Point (FMP) in partnership with the Rotary Club of Abaita Ababiri in Formation, targeting vulnerable and underserved groups in lakeside settlements.
Health workers conducted a “Musawo Session,” providing free HIV testing, screening and treatment for sexually transmitted infections (STIs), and distributing condoms, lubricants and various contraceptive methods.
Pauline Nabwire, Head of Programmes at Family Medical Point, said the outreach focused on raising awareness about Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR), particularly safe sex practices, prevention of STIs, unintended pregnancies and unsafe abortions.
“Fishing communities remain high-risk areas with limited access to accurate health information and services. We wanted to ensure women and girls receive both knowledge and practical support,” Nabwire said.
Nakito Mariam, Public Relations Officer for the Rotary Club of Abaita Ababiri in Formation, said the club joined the initiative in response to pressing health and social challenges in the community.
“Rotary believes in service above self. This Valentine’s Day, we chose to share love through health services with the people of Kigungu–Makusa,” she said, noting that turnout exceeded the initial target of 50 beneficiaries.
Legal awareness sessions were also conducted by Center for Women Justice Uganda, which offered pro bono legal education and guidance to participants.
Amito Mercy, Legal Officer at the organisation, said women in fishing communities frequently face cases of child neglect, domestic violence, divorce and sexual assault but often lack access to affordable legal representation.
“We informed them about their rights and assured them of continued access to free legal services,” she said.
Counsellors further established confidential safe spaces where women discussed HIV prevention, treatment adherence and personal safety.
Residents welcomed the initiative, describing Makusa as a high-risk area with limited health infrastructure. One beneficiary, who was diagnosed with an STI during the outreach, said she was grateful to receive immediate treatment after previously being unable to afford care.
Public health experts have long identified fishing communities along Lake Victoria as vulnerable to high HIV prevalence, STIs, gender-based violence and limited reproductive health services. Stakeholders say integrated outreaches combining medical, counselling and legal support are critical in closing service gaps.
Organisers said the Valentine’s Day outreach not only provided essential services but also strengthened community awareness, dignity and protection for women and girls in marginalised settings.
