In Luwero District, grandmothers play a vital yet often overlooked role in their communities. Many not only raise their own children and grandchildren but also care for orphaned and vulnerable children affected by poverty, HIV/AIDS, and migration. Despite their critical contributions, these women face significant health challenges, including chronic conditions like hypertension, diabetes, arthritis, visual impairments, and malnutrition. Limited access to healthcare, poor nutrition, emotional stress, and lack of recognition only add to their burden.
Recognizing these challenges, Reach Out Mbuya Community Health Initiative (ROM) organized a two-day community health outreach on September 9, 2025, targeting grandmothers in the underserved communities of Butuntumula and Kakuuto. A total of 171 grandmothers and 11 grandfathers participated, receiving comprehensive medical care, health education, psychosocial support, and guidance on accessing continued care through local health facilities.
The outreach began with health screening and treatment, the heart of the initiative. Multiple medical stations were set up to measure vital signs, conduct general consultations, and dispense medications. Clinicians identified common conditions, provided on-site treatment, and referred participants needing specialized care. Many grandmothers expressed relief and gratitude for receiving care they had long neglected. One grandmother from Butuntumula shared,
“I feel relieved to speak about the struggles I face every day. I am not alone. Others share my challenges.”
Health education was an equally important component. Sessions focused on nutrition, hygiene, and the prevention and management of non-communicable diseases. Facilitators used simple, culturally relevant examples and interactive demonstrations, empowering grandmothers to adopt healthier lifestyles. Peer learning was encouraged, with participants sharing experiences and learning from one another. A grandmother from Kakuuto reflected,
“I now understand why my joints ache and why I feel weak sometimes. I will follow the advice and eat more balanced meals.”
To ensure continued access to healthcare, ROM established referral pathways with local health facilities such as St. Mary’s Health Center III Kasaala and Butuntumula Health Center III. A dedicated Friday clinic at Butuntumula Health Center III now provides regular follow-ups, medication refills, and consultations. Village Health Teams and grandmother committee representatives will continue to support participants in navigating the healthcare system. One grandmother shared,
“I now know where to go for my blood pressure check every week. Before, I would wait until I felt very sick. Now, I understand the importance of regular follow-up.”
The outreach also emphasized psychosocial support and community recognition. Group and individual counseling sessions allowed grandmothers to share challenges, coping strategies, and concerns in a safe environment. Discussions highlighted fatigue from caregiving, stress from family responsibilities, and worries about personal health. Facilitators provided practical advice, emotional support, and strategies for resilience. Public recognition from local leaders, including the Subcounty Chief and District Community Development Officer, affirmed the invaluable role grandmothers play in families and communities. One participant said,
“I feel relieved to speak about the struggles I face every day. I am not alone. Others share my challenges.”
Key lessons from the outreach included the importance of structured referral pathways and dedicated clinic days, which encouraged follow-up and consistent care. Challenges identified included persistent chronic illnesses, limited awareness of government support programs, and the heavy physical and emotional burden grandmothers bear while raising grandchildren.
Recommendations from the outreach emphasized regular use of the dedicated clinic days, formation of organized grandmother groups to access livelihood support, and empowering grandmothers to report abuse or other harm to authorities.
This two-day outreach demonstrated ROM’s commitment to holistic care and community empowerment, ensuring that the grandmothers who sustain families and communities receive the health, support, and recognition they deserve.
“Updating your IDs at NIRA helps you access health services and development programs under the Parish Development Model.”
— Mr. Kanata Willy, Sub-County Chief, Butuntumula
Mr Kanata Willy speaking at the health camp
Health workers provide medical services to grandmothers in Luwero
Grandmothers share a light moment
A ROM staff regesters the benefitiaries in Butuntumula District
