Reproductive Health Uganda (RHU) has empowered 500 university students with new information on how to navigate the complex subject of sexuality without falling victim to its negative consequences.
This took place during the one-day annual Inter-University Dialogue 2025 at Makerere University last week under the theme “The Untold Stories of Sexuality,”
RHU Executive Director Jackson Chekweko said 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.
“This year’s dialogue 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,” Chekweko stated.
RHU established in 1957 champions sexual and reproductive health rights (SRHR) in Uganda and provides a wide range of SRHR services and information, conducts advocacy for policy change, and runs youth-focused programs as member of the International Planned Parenthood Federation (IPPF).
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 for creating critical spaces where university students can access real-time information and knowledge about sexuality and how best to navigate related challenges responsibly.
“The specific objectives of the conference was to create a safe space for young people in universities to openly share live experiences around sexuality and Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) that are often silenced, to reflect on gaps and barriers in SRHR policy,”Nakafeero said
This commendable because this empowers 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,”she added.
During the dialogue 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.