Faith and family planning may seem like unlikely partners, but in Uganda and across the East Africa region, faith-based organizations play a transformative role in advancing reproductive health. This was demonstrated during a recent knowledge café hosted in Uganda, a collaboration among the IGAD RMNCAH/FP Knowledge Management Community of Practice (KM CoP), Knowledge SUCCESS, and the Faith For Family Health Initiative (3FHi). With insights from 3FHi, participants explored how religious values can align with public health priorities to influence family planning policies and investments.
One of the most compelling stories shared during the café was the role of His Eminence the Deputy Mufti Uganda Muslim Supreme Council Shiekh Ali Waiswa from 3FHi Uganda, whose leadership has been instrumental in bridging the gap between faith and family planning. Guided by the belief that honoring life involves empowering families with resources and knowledge, His Eminence has spearheaded numerous efforts to unite faith-based organizations and communities in the fight for reproductive health.
A key milestone in this journey has been the partnership between 3FHi and the Inter-Religious Council of Uganda, leading to the development of a groundbreaking Family Planning Position Paper. This document, created in collaboration with leaders from various faiths, advocates for family planning within a religious framework. It was a game changer, paving the way for Uganda’s first district costed implementation plans (DCIPs) for family planning. These plans mobilized an impressive $200,000 from district budgets, significantly increasing domestic funding for family planning in Uganda. As a result, communities now have more access to family planning services, proving that faith can drive progress in public health.
“Our faith teaches us the value of life, and part of honoring that value is ensuring that families thrive and parents are empowered to make informed decisions about their reproductive health,” His Eminence shared during the café. This sentiment resonated with many participants, underscoring the powerful role that faith leaders can play in advocating for family planning and ensuring that reproductive health becomes a shared priority across faith-based communities.
Faith-based leadership, as exemplified by His Eminence and 3FHi, goes beyond advocacy; it also involves equipping communities to take action. Under his leadership, 3FHi trained over 200 interfaith religious leaders as family planning champions across 20 districts in Uganda. These champions were equipped with the tools and materials needed to advocate for family planning within their religious structures. This initiative has broken barriers, transforming how family planning is perceived and practiced in communities where it was once taboo.
Ms. Jackie Katana, Founder & Executive Director, Faith for Family Health initiative (3FHi) sharing insights on Faith and Family Planning in Uganda with the IGAD RMNCAH/FP KM CoP.
Photo Credit: Samuel Masanga, 3FHi
“3FHi’s work has contributed to mobilizing $200,000 from district plans and budgets, directly increasing Uganda’s domestic funding for family planning,” His Eminence proudly shared. These efforts have had a profound impact, not just financially, but in creating a new narrative around family planning in religious communities.
Another critical initiative born from this leadership is the Interfaith Alliance for Health, a national platform that unites religious and civil society organizations. The alliance focuses on policy and financing for reproductive health, particularly for women, children, and adolescents. This evolving platform is now a key player in the national conversation on reproductive health, with faith leaders advocating for policies that reflect both religious values and public health needs.
Members of the IGAD RMNCAH/ FP KM CoP engaging in Group Discussions during the Knowledge Café. Photo Credit: Samuel Masanga, 3Fhi
The knowledge café provided a unique opportunity for the core group of the KM CoP to explore how faith can influence family planning policies. Facilitated by Jackline Katana from 3FHi Uganda, the session addressed critical questions on the role of faith and religion in family planning with regard to policy, investments, barriers, and how advocacy efforts can bridge gaps.
The café featured a powerful testimony from a faith leader, who shared personal experiences of how faith can support responsible family planning practices. This testimony set the tone for deeper discussions, as participants reflected on how religious beliefs can coexist with public health priorities.
The café broke into small group discussions, in which each group addressed a core question about the role of faith in family planning. Below are some key insights that emerged:
One group explored how faith-based values can be included in family planning and adolescent health policies. Participants emphasized the importance of inclusive stakeholder engagement, particularly involving religious leaders, cultural leaders, and policymakers. The group highlighted how embedding value-based health education in religious gatherings—such as Juma prayers or Sunday services—could increase understanding and acceptance of family planning initiatives.
Another key suggestion was to create faith-friendly platforms, ensuring that adolescents are empowered with knowledge and access to services while maintaining confidentiality and non-discrimination in healthcare. They agreed that this approach could help dismantle the stigma surrounding family planning in religious communities.
A second group focused on the barriers that religious doctrines can present to family planning use and program implementation. Some participants pointed out that certain religious groups often oppose modern contraceptive methods. To address this, the group suggested promoting natural family planning methods, which align more with some religious teachings. Participants emphasized the need for open dialogue between faith leaders and their congregations to dispel misconceptions.
The group also discussed how men can play a vital role in family planning efforts. They called for the creation of male champions—religious leaders who can lead by example and promote family planning—as a way to ensure responsible parenthood. Addressing misconceptions that family planning promotes promiscuity, they argued, is critical to shifting the narrative toward responsible family care.
The third group explored how investments in family planning and adolescent health can align with religious beliefs. Their suggestions included investing in life skills education for adolescents, creating economic empowerment programs for out-of-school youth, and fostering dialogue among adolescents, parents, and religious leaders. The group also called for stronger community support systems, particularly for adolescent mothers, ensuring their reintegration into school and continued education after pregnancy.
Members of the IGAD RMNCAH/ FP KM CoP engaging in Group Discussions during the Knowledge Café. Photo Credit: Samuel Masanga, 3Fhi
As the knowledge café wrapped up, participants identified several key deliverables and action points:
The discussions at the knowledge café revealed that faith and family planning are not at odds. In fact, they can complement each other when aligned with public health goals. Faith leaders, with their influence and moral authority, are uniquely positioned to promote family planning as a tool for responsible parenthood, health, and community well-being. The café highlighted how the integration of faith-based values into family planning policies is not only possible but already happening in Uganda, thanks to champions like His Eminence and the 3FHi organization.
As the café participants reflected on the future, one thing was clear: The collaboration between faith communities and public health advocates is essential for improving health outcomes.