First Lady Janet Museveni has launched Uganda’s National Framework for Education on Health and Life Skills, a government initiative aimed at equipping children and young people with values, practical life skills and the ability to make responsible decisions.

Janet Museveni, the designated Minister of Education and Sports, was represented at the launch by Deputy Speaker of Parliament Thomas Tayebwa during an event held at the Office of the President, according to statements shared by the Ministry of Education and Sports and Tayebwa.

In remarks delivered on her behalf, Tayebwa said the framework represents an important step towards expanding education beyond academic knowledge and certificates to include personal development, health awareness and responsible decision-making.

He said young people face several challenges, including teenage pregnancy, early marriages, HIV, substance abuse, mental health difficulties and the misuse of digital media. Addressing these concerns requires coordinated efforts involving parents, teachers, religious and cultural leaders, government institutions, the media and other stakeholders.

Janet Museveni called on adults and community leaders to lead by example, provide appropriate guidance and mentorship, and create supportive environments where young people can develop character, discipline and a sense of purpose.

Tayebwa commended the First Lady for championing the policy, describing it as age-appropriate and informed by Uganda’s values. He also said he, together with other government leaders, had pledged support for partners involved in implementing the framework.

The framework is organised around five key areas: Growth and Human Development; Relationships; Life Skills and Keeping Safe; Health and Wellbeing; and Responsible Citizenship.

According to the Ministry of Education and Sports, the learning content is structured for five age groups: children aged three to five, six to nine, 10 to 12, 13 to 16, and young people aged 17 and above. The approach is intended to provide guidance suited to different stages of development.

The policy is designed to reach both school-going and out-of-school children and young people. It adopts a preventive approach that encourages avoidance of risky behaviour while also providing risk-reduction guidance for those already exposed to harm.

The framework was developed through collaboration between the Ministry of Education and Sports, the Office of the First Lady, the Ministry of Health, the Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development, the Directorate of Ethics and Integrity, the Uganda AIDS Commission, the Inter-Religious Council of Uganda and other stakeholders.

The government has called on families, schools, religious institutions, cultural leaders, civil society organisations and the media to support awareness and implementation efforts.

The initiative seeks to strengthen young people’s ability to protect their health, navigate everyday challenges and transition into responsible adulthood. Its success will depend on cooperation among government agencies, educators, parents and communities as implementation moves forward.

The launch marks a key step in the government’s effort to make health and life skills education part of a broader approach to preparing young Ugandans for adulthood and responsible citizenship.