HEALTH: Over 500 students from various universities across the country have been empowered with new information on how to navigate the complex subject of sexuality without falling victim to its negative consequences.
The one-day annual Inter-University Dialogue 2025, sponsored and facilitated by Reproductive Health Uganda (RHU) in partnership with the International Planned Parenthood Federation (IPPF) and Makerere University, was held at Makerere University.
Running under the theme “The Untold Stories of Sexuality,” the dialogue aimed to build the technical capacity of university students to understand the implications of sexuality and its related challenges, enabling them to make informed decisions.
The engagement also included discussions on health and sexuality issues, as well as competitive brainstorming quiz sessions among the students.
Angela Nakafeero, the Commissioner from the Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development, who served as the chief guest, encouraged students to be cautious when navigating issues of sexuality to avoid regrettable consequences.
She advised them to limit excessive use of social media platforms that might expose them to moral corruption and instead focus on their studies until an appropriate time to engage in sexual relationships.
Nakafeero thanked RHU Executive Director Jackson Chekweko and his board for creating critical spaces where university students can access real-time information and knowledge about sexuality and how best to navigate related challenges responsibly.
Several key experts made presentations providing insights into sexuality and reproductive health rights.
This year’s convening aimed to provide a safe and inclusive space where young people could break the silence, confront the challenges they face, and reimagine a future where conversations about sexuality are normalized, health is prioritized, and choices are informed.
The specific objectives were; To create a safe space for young people in universities to openly share lived experiences around sexuality and Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) that are often silenced, to reflect on gaps and barriers in SRHR policy, services, and education that leave young people vulnerable, to empower young people with knowledge, voice, and confidence to challenge harmful norms and advocate for inclusive SRHR policies, to engage gatekeepers, academics, and policymakers in conversations that prioritize young people’s health, rights, and dignity.
Later, students participated in inter-university debates on topical issues related to sexuality, where winners received certificates and gifts in appreciation of their participation.
Chekweko commended the 35 universities that sent students to the dialogue, noting that they all returned as “reformed ambassadors of change” with a mandate to pass on the knowledge and skills acquired to their peers.
