HENU - Health Nest Uganda

12/01/2026

As Uganda approaches the main election day on 15th January 2026, how best can we prepare ourselves to protect the vulnerable like older persons in case of election-related unrest? Within our communities do we know areas that are prone to election violence? Do we know the Government hotlines and radio alerts for reporting threats and requesting evacuation, do we know contacts of our area police and humanitarian agencies like Red Cross for quick intervention. In case of violence can we quickly establish safe zones such as churches, schools, and community centers accessible to elders. Let us all keep peace.

23/07/2025

The Power of Entry Level Engagements in Community Based Interventions
At the heart of impactful community interventions are entry-level engagements with key stakeholders to ease the process of working with the community. These engagements are the critical first step to building trust, aligning stakeholders, and tailoring solutions to local needs. The Help Age Advocacy Network Uganda (HANU) demonstrates this through our project to enhance long-term care and community-based care for older persons in Kampala, Wakiso, and Mukono.
In these engagements, HANU brought together 29 stakeholders, Municipal and District Health Officers, Village Health Teams (VHTs), care givers and older persons’ representatives, to kick-start an 11-month initiative. These meetings have been pivotal in:
· Fostering Collaboration: From Entebbe Municipality’s cross-district partnerships to Nakawa’s DMO-led awareness campaigns, to Mukono’s older person centered ordinances stakeholders rallied behind a shared vision.
· Uncovering Needs: Discussions with stakeholders revealed barriers like long healthcare queues, discrimination of provision of care to older persons, ageism, lack of transport to health facilities, accessibility to health facilities and other buildings due to the lack of ramps and assistive devices. This helped us to ensure inclusion of all stakeholders in meeting the project targets in the three districts.
· Empowering Communities: VHTs committed to learning new skills, they committed more of their time to engage older persons in the community and roles of each stakeholder were clarified. This gave us clear project direction driving ownership and integration of long-term care into the existing health systems.
· Tackling Challenges: Issues like identifying older persons in need were addressed early which gave us an established target population. getting VHTs on board with working with older persons was a huge achivement because they mainly focused children and expectant mothers. Government is also not easy to onboard for some projects so these engagements brought them into the loop in the early stages and this relationship has grown through out the project. Using these entry level engagements helped us to refine the project’s scope for scalability.
· Driving Action: The meetings shaped next steps, from developing materials to launching baseline surveys, setting a clear path forward in partnership with all stakeholders.
For anyone in community development, HANU’s approach shows that entry level meetings are more than just gatherings, they’re strategic tools to align, empower, and act. Let’s prioritize these engagements to ensure older persons, and all community members, receive the care and support they deserve

24/10/2024

https://www.independent.co.ug/now-old-persons-also-complain-about-ubos-census-figures/

HANU raise concerns on understatement of figures for older persons in the census provisional results Kampala, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT | The HelpAge Advocacy Network Uganda (HANU) has warned that they have found substantial anomalies on Older Persons data in the current Census Report 2024 released o...

15/10/2024

A Tribute to Bishop Samuel Balagadde Ssekkadde
Yesterday, on the 14th of October 2024, we lost a remarkable soul, Bishop Samuel Balagadde Ssekkadde. His passing leaves a profound void in our hearts and in the community he so passionately served. As a friend, a leader, and a beacon of hope, Bishop Ssekkadde’s legacy is one of unwavering dedication and compassion.
Bishop Ssekkadde was not just a spiritual leader; he was a man of action and empathy. As the chairman of Health Nest Uganda, he tirelessly worked to improve the lives of the vulnerable, particularly older persons and disadvantaged children. His leadership was marked by a deep commitment to social justice and a relentless pursuit of better living conditions for those in need.
He was a counsellor and spiritual leader who provided solace and direction to countless individuals. Bishop Ssekkadde’s wisdom and kindness were a source of strength for many, offering comfort in times of distress and guidance in moments of uncertainty. His ability to listen and provide counsel was a testament to his profound understanding of human nature and his boundless compassion.
Beyond his spiritual and social contributions, Bishop Ssekkadde was a cultural man. His respect for culture and his efforts to integrate it into modern life were truly inspiring.
As we mourn the loss of Bishop Ssekkadde, we also celebrate his life and the indelible mark he left on our community. His passion for helping others, his leadership, and his unwavering faith will continue to inspire us. Though he is no longer with us, his spirit lives on in the countless lives he touched and the positive changes he brought about.
Rest in peace, Bishop Samuel Balagadde Ssekkadde. Your legacy of love, leadership, and compassion will forever be remembered.

11/09/2024

11/09/2024

17/06/2024

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22/04/2024

Entebbe Municipality is home to a growing number of older persons who face significant challenges in accessing healthcare services due to transportation barriers. Many of these individuals are living with chronic health conditions that require regular medical attention, and the lack of a dedicated transportation solution has become a pressing issue affecting their overall well-being.
Without a reliable means of transportation to attend regular check-ups, older persons are often forced to miss their appointments, resort to local herbs and only seek medical attention in emergencies, contributing to an increased burden on emergency healthcare services.
To address this pressing need, Older Persons have launched a compaign for financial support to acquire a dedicated vehicle for the transportation of older persons to healthcare facilities. This vehicle will serve as a lifeline for our older persons, ensuring they have reliable and timely access to essential medical services.
The acquisition of a dedicated vehicle for transporting older persons is not merely a logistical solution; it is an investment in the health, dignity, and quality of life of older persons. By addressing transportation barriers, they pave the way for a community where every older person can age gracefully, maintaining their health and remaining active participants in our shared community life.
We are reaching out to compassionate individuals and organizations who share our commitment to the well-being of the older persons and the promotion of accessible healthcare for all.
The Vehicle will be serviced and maintained by Health Nest Uganda an indigenous Non–Government Organization comprising of experts in ageing and based in Entebbe Municipality.
Your support can make a significant difference in the lives of our older residents. We believe that by working together, we can create a sustainable solution that positively influences the health and quality of life for our older persons.
Any financial contribution towards the cause may be deposited on Entebbe Municipality Older Persons SACCO Account, Centenary Bank, Kawuku Branch, Account number: 3202644779 or Crossed Cheques to be deposited on the same account. A receipt will be issued for any support obtained
We are greatful to Ugand Civil Aviation Authority, Child Prime Primary School, Friends of Charity Kiwafu Entebbe, Hon. Rose Tumusiime, Hon. Sherry Kalyebara, Hon Gashaija Shaka for their contribution towards this call. We are also grateful to the Mayor of Entebbe Municility for supporting us to reach out.
Any contribution will bring us one-step closer to ensuring that our older persons receive the healthcare they deserve.

08/04/2024

Older people are highly vulnerable to poor mental health as they are more likely to be affected by biological, social and psychological changes that might result into serious conditions like depres…

14/08/2023