Reproductive Health Uganda (RHU) has begun mobilising secondary schools in Hoima city and Hoima District for inter-school debate competitions as a means of promoting sexuality education among learners, parents, and teachers.
The initiative seeks to help students build competence in managing issues such as drug and substance abuse, puberty, adolescent growth and development, menstrual health, teenage pregnancy, and prevention of sexually transmitted infections, according to RHU Project Officer Patricia Mandera.
In Hoima city, the competition featured eight secondary schools, including Central Schools Hoima, Buhanika Seed Secondary School, and Buhikya Muslim Secondary School.
Others are St Andrea Kahwaa's Secondary School, St Peter's High School Hoima, Premier Secondary School, Kings High School, and Duhaga Secondary School.
An additional eight schools from Hoima District also participated.
Mandera explained that the initiative is part of the ongoing "Promise 2 Program," aimed at improving sexual and reproductive health rights and services in Uganda, with a focus on young students. The program has been implemented annually since 2021.
“Learners have struggled to address health challenges, including menstrual health issues, due to a lack of knowledge and confidence,” Mandera said.
“This has caused distractions from school and increased vulnerability to drug abuse and related health problems.”
The competition will culminate next month with the Youth Parliament event, where winners will be awarded trophies and runners-up will receive medals.
Kubra Katusabe, Chairperson of the RHU Branch Executive Committee and trainer on sexuality education, encouraged participants to serve as role models by promoting awareness among fellow students.
Caroline Nyamahunge, Hoima City Inspector of Schools, urged learners to embrace the initiative as a pathway to building competence that can open doors to future opportunities.
“Start promoting your talents now for a better tomorrow. The world is interested in people who are capable of doing something,” she said.
