Civil Society Organizations under the Budget Civil Society Advocacy Group (CSBAG) have appealed to Parliament to increase the funding for reproductive health, especially family planning.

A delegation from CSBAG made the plea Wednesday while appearing before the Parliament Health Committee to give their views on the Budget Framework Paper.

Patrick Mugirwa, the programme manager at Partners in Population and Development, Africa Region Office, expressed disappointment that the government’s plan to have funding to family planning increased to US$5m (sh17.6b) annually has not been fulfilled.

“The allocation for reproductive health commodities in 2021 was sh14.7b and currently, the proposed allocation is sh20.6b, but the problem is that 90% of this goes to Mama Kits, with very little going to family planning,” said Mugirwa.

Army MP Victoria Nekesa asked the CSOs to ensure that their interventions in the sector are aligned to the traditions and culture of Uganda.

“For instance, when you introduce family planning methods, endeavor to partner with the local communities and the government to make sure that the cultures and norms are not abused or undermined,” she said.