By Kabuye Ronald
Advocates for the accelerated implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) have called for increased awareness of SDG 3—Good Health and Well-being as a fundamental human right.
The call was made on Monday during the opening session of the United Nations Association of Uganda (UNAU) forum on Human Rights and SDG 3, held at Mt. Zion Hotel in Kampala. The event brought together youth, civil society organizations, media, and government officials.
Linda Asaba, UNAU’s Programs Manager and Project Coordinator for the Accelerate SDGs initiative in Uganda, Kenya, and Tanzania, emphasized the importance of collaboration with policymakers to promote awareness.
“Policies and programs often face resistance because people don’t understand their purpose. But if we begin with awareness creation, the public will start demanding for them,” Asaba noted. “If decision-makers raise awareness about critical health issues like Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) and mental health, similar to how HIV/AIDS awareness was handled—many would embrace support because they are suffering in silence.”
Asaba also highlighted the need to reduce stigma around mental health, particularly among the youth. “Many are struggling with depression and anxiety but don’t know where to turn. People are afraid of going to Butabika [National Mental Referral Hospital] due to the stigma, even though it’s well equipped. If we engage young people and CSOs to champion awareness, SDG 3 will be more widely embraced as a human right,” she added.
Moses Talibita, a lecturer at Nkumba University and official at the Uganda National Health Consumers’ Organisation (UNHCO), echoed the urgency, stating that the burden of healthcare costs especially for NCDs was affecting household incomes.
“Everyone is concerned about their health, well-being, and safety,” said Talibita. “These costly diseases are draining families and impeding economic growth. That’s why civil society organizations are calling for an all-of-society and whole-of-government approach to ensure Uganda achieves SDG 3 by 2030.”
He stressed that achieving SDG 3 benefits all stakeholders—individuals, taxpayers, investors, and the government. “Health and well-being are universal issues. What’s available in developed countries should also be accessible to Ugandans.”
Talibita also warned that the lack of a national health insurance system is deepening poverty and undermining government efforts. “We hear cases of patients being detained in hospitals due to unpaid bills. A universal healthcare system would provide a necessary social safety net.”
Meanwhile, Patience Butesi, a mental health official from the Ministry of Health, urged youth and civil society groups to be consistent and clear in their advocacy. “We need to humanize these issues so they are easily understood and resonate with everyone,” she said.
The forum aims to drive engagement and commitment among young people, the broader community, and policymakers to prioritize SDG 3 in both dialogue and action.
