JMERC Joins Stakeholders at the Launch of Uganda’s National Framework for Education on Health and Life Skills

Kampala, Uganda 28th October, 2026 – JM Education and Research Centre (JMERC) was represented at the launch of Uganda’s National Framework for Education on Health and Life Skills, held last week at the President’s Office Conference Hall in Kampala.

Held under the theme —Empowering Children and Young People for Optimal Health,— the launch marked an important milestone in Uganda’s efforts to strengthen health and life skills education within the national education system. The Framework seeks to equip children and young people with the knowledge, values, attitudes and practical skills necessary to make informed decisions, protect their health and wellbeing, and lead healthy, responsible and productive lives.

A Coordinated National Approach to Health and Life Skills Education

The National Framework is a product of multi-sectoral collaboration involving government ministries, institutions and faith-based organisations. It provides a coordinated approach to integrating health and life skills education into the education system, recognising the critical role that schools play in shaping the knowledge, attitudes and behaviours of children and young people.

With implementation in schools expected to commence in Term One of 2027, the next phase will focus on translating the Framework into practice. The planned training of teachers, school counsellors and designated focal point persons will be particularly important in ensuring that learners receive relevant, age-appropriate and meaningful learning experiences.

Successful implementation will also require sustained coordination across sectors, adequate resource mobilisation and the active engagement of schools, families, communities and development partners.

Advancing Adolescent Wellbeing Through Evidence-Informed Approaches

For JMERC, the Framework aligns closely with the Centre’s commitment to improving children's learning, adolescent wellbeing and the systems that support their development. In particular, it reinforces the importance of strengthening the social, emotional and health competencies that enable young people to navigate the challenges of adolescence and make informed life decisions.

Through iour Resilience and Social and Emotional Learning (RSEL) Programme, JMERC is contributing to efforts to strengthen adolescents’ resilience, social and emotional competencies, mental health and overall wellbeing. The programme recognises that adolescent wellbeing is shaped not only by individual knowledge and skills but also by the environments in which young people grow, learn and interact.

This calls for supportive school environments, empowered teachers, engaged caregivers and communities, and responsive systems capable of addressing the holistic needs of adolescents. It also underscores the importance of integrating social and emotional learning into broader education, health and child development interventions.

Strengthening Partnerships for Effective Implementation

As Uganda prepares for the implementation of the National Framework in 2027, collaboration among government institutions, education stakeholders, development partners and civil society organisations will be essential. Translating the Framework's aspirations into meaningful outcomes will require collective ownership, sustained investment and evidence-informed approaches that respond to the diverse needs of children and young people.

JMERC welcomes this important national milestone and reaffirms its commitment to working alongside government and partners to advance integrated approaches that strengthen children's learning, health and adolescent wellbeing.

We look forward to contributing to the collective efforts to ensure that every child and young person in Uganda is equipped with the knowledge, competencies and support systems needed to thrive.