Bugisu commits to promote IUD family planning method

Mbale: The Bugisu Cultural Institution has committed to disseminating information on the intrauterine device (IUD) as a family planning method across the Bugisu region.

Speaking to this publication, the institution’s spokesperson confirmed that the commitment is being undertaken in partnership with the Gynecology Society of Uganda, with support from the Government of Uganda and several development partners.

The Gynecology Society of Uganda is a professional association bringing together all gynecologists in the country and has been mandated by the Ministry of Health to roll out family planning services across health facilities nationwide.

The commitment was reaffirmed during a stakeholder training held at Wash and Wills Country Home in Mbale City. Participants included cultural leaders and members of the Inter-Religious Council of Uganda, among them Dr. Wandega, the Assistant Mufti in charge of Eastern Uganda, and Hon. Rev. Titus Kutosi, the Elgon Chairperson of the Inter-Religious Council.

The Bugisu Cultural Institution was represented by its spokesperson, Hon. Steven Masiga, Hon. Moses Kutoi, Minister for Culture, and the medical assistant to the Umukuka, Dr. Waburoko.

Political leaders in attendance included several Local Council III leaders from Bugisu and Sebei regions, as well as clan representatives and opinion leaders, including Joseph Wamembo from Namisindwa District.

The intrauterine device (IUD) is a highly effective, long-term reversible family planning method that is inserted into a woman’s uterus. According to the Government of Uganda and the World Health Organization, the IUD is more than 99 percent effective in preventing pregnancy.

Women who are currently using the IUD shared testimonies highlighting its benefits, including ease of insertion and removal, comfort, and the immediate return of fertility once the device is removed.

Speaking on behalf of the Bugisu Cultural Institution, Hon. Steven Masiga said the institution is satisfied with the immense benefits associated with the IUD, noting that it is safe, effective, and not for sale.

“We shall actively sensitize our people about this method. It will help many mothers in Bugisu to plan their families better,” Masiga said.

He further emphasized that the IUD is provided free of charge in government health facilities, yet the same device costs over one million Uganda shillings on the open market.

“As a cultural institution, we commit ourselves to sensitizing our people about this program,” he added.

Dr. Lawrence Kazibwe and Dr. Kenneth Mugabe, the lead facilitators and implementers of the program on behalf of the Government of Uganda and the Gynecology Society of Uganda, explained that the IUD is a T-shaped plastic device with copper bands around its arms, inserted into the uterus to prevent pregnancy.

They also revealed that over 160 midwives have been trained to administer the IUD in health facilities across Bugisu and Sebei regions.

At the end of the workshop, participants pledged to promote the use of the IUD in Bugisu, Sebei, and neighboring regions.

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