Celebrating International Day of Family with Ministry of Gender:

Raising Teenagers Uganda joined the Family Day celebrations organized by the Ministry of Gender, Labor and Social Development at Sheraton Hotel, Kampala. This day was more than just a ceremonial occasion; it was a national milestone in strengthening families across Uganda and reaffirming the role of family as the bedrock of child development.

The event was marked by the launch of three landmark tools aimed at transforming parenting practices and standardizing interventions that support families. These tools were carefully developed to respond to the growing need for guidance, consistency and evidence-based approaches to parenting in Uganda.

The first tool, the National Standards for Parenting Programs in Uganda, sets out clear benchmarks to ensure that all parenting initiatives, whether implemented by government, civil society or community groups maintain high quality and consistency. For years, different organizations have worked independently to support parents and children, often with varying models and outcomes. By introducing national standards, Uganda now has a unified framework to strengthen program delivery, ensure accountability and promote a common vision for nurturing children in safe, supportive environments.

Secondly, the National Parenting Training Manual and Facilitators Guide was unveiled as a practical resource to empower parents and those who guide them. This manual equips families with essential skills and knowledge for raising children who are resilient, confident and well-prepared to face life’s challenges. It emphasizes discipline that is constructive rather than punitive, positive communication, emotional support and the importance of modelling values that shape children into responsible citizens. For facilitators, the guide serves as a step-by-step tool to standardize training sessions, ensuring that every parent, regardless of their background or location, receives the same quality of support.

The third tool, the National Parenting Data Hub is a groundbreaking innovation in family- centred programming. It serves as a central platform where stakeholders can generate, access and share evidence to inform policy and practice. For the first time, Uganda will have a coordinated system that tracks progress, identifies gaps and provides reliable data on the realities of parenting and family wellbeing. This hub is expected to drive evidence-based decision making, enabling policymakers and practitioners to design interventions that are responsive to real challenges faced by families.

For Raising Teenagers Uganda, an organization deeply rooted in promoting positive parenting and holistic child development, this launch was a validation of its work in communities across Uganda. For years, RTU has facilitated parental meetings, mentorship sessions, and family-centred initiatives that emphasize the critical role of parents in shaping the future of teenagers. Being part of the Family Day celebrations reaffirmed the organization’s belief that empowered parents raise empowered children and empowered children build stronger societies.

Leaders, development partners, community-based organizations and families gathered not only to witness the launch but also to recommit themselves to the shared vision of strengthening the Ugandan family unit. The event highlighted that parenting is not an isolated responsibility but a collective effort that requires resources, knowledge and ongoing support.

The launch of these tools comes at a critical time when Ugandan families face numerous challenges, including economic pressures, shifting cultural norms and the digital influences shaping young people’s lives. 

By equipping parents with resources and aligning national efforts, Uganda is investing in prevention by reducing risks such as violence, neglect harmful practices and fostering nurturing homes where children and teenagers can thrive.

The 2025 Family Day celebrations were more than a symbolic occasion; they marked the beginning of a new chapter in Uganda’s parenting journey. With national standards, a comprehensive manual and a data hub in place, the foundation has been laid for a future where families are stronger, parenting is guided by evidence and best practices and every child grows up in an environment that nurtures their potential. Raising Teenagers Uganda remains committed to this vision, working alongside government and partners to ensure that families remain at the heart of national development.

Compiled by Mbabazi Pillar