In Uganda, subcounty chiefs are senior administrative officers responsible for coordinating public services, supervising programs, and mobilizing communities. They serve as vital links between technical teams, political leaders, and the people. Yet, despite their strategic role, they are often underutilized in addressing critical issues like adolescent health and teenage pregnancies.
Kole District, in northern Uganda’s Lango sub-region, faces high rates of teenage pregnancies, 29% (UDHS 2022). While initiatives have sought to address these challenges, the full potential of subcounty chiefs in leading adolescent health interventions remains untapped. Their unique position allows them to mobilize communities, bridge gaps between stakeholders, and ensure the effective implementation of health programs.
Recognizing and harnessing the capabilities of these local leaders is crucial in the fight against teenage pregnancies and in promoting the health and well-being of adolescents in Kole District.
In Kole, this role came to life.
Ahead of the school outreaches held from June 12th–13th, subcounty chiefs led from the front. They didn’t just delegate, they coordinated schools, engaged Village Health Teams, mobilized parents and learners, and ensured that all actors were aligned. This laid a strong foundation for the success of the health workers, teachers, and youth focal persons who delivered age-appropriate information and services to over 1,741 students across 10 schools in 5 high-burdened sub-counties of Okwerodot, Aboke, Alito, Ayer, and Bala.
The momentum continued during community outreaches from July 9th–11th, where subcounty chiefs played a hands-on role. They hosted the events at subcounty headquarters, gave remarks that built community trust, and collaborated with youth leaders and community development officers(CDOs) to mobilize participation. Their leadership was instrumental in reaching 948 out-of-school adolescents with essential health education and services
“When we work hand in hand with our district leaders, we can give our young people the health and support they need to live better lives,” stated Kia Sub-County Chief Ayer
Their involvement helped solidify a true multisectoral approach, bringing together health workers, education officials, local leaders, and community mobilizers under one goal: advancing adolescent health. This unity enabled open conversations on sensitive topics like HIV, family planning, and Gender Based Violence, topics that often go undiscussed at community level due to stigma or lack of coordination.
Through their leadership and collaboration, Kole’s subcounty chiefs helped bridge the gap between policy and people. The result? Higher turnout, better trust, and stronger impact. Hundreds of adolescents accessed services in a safe, dignified environment.
As Samasha continues to strengthen adolescent health systems, Kole reminds us that local leadership, when supported and engaged, can unlock powerful multisectoral action that truly leaves no young person behind.