While opening the inter-University dialogue organized by Reproductive Health Uganda (RHU) at Makerere University, Hon Jacqueline Amongin, the Ugandan representative to East African Legislative Assembly, noted that all young people in the country to have equal access to internet in order to get enough information and services about sexual and reproductive health.
“ I call upon the government to make sure that every health center in Uganda is connected to internet in order to provide unlimited access to reproductive health information. I therefore encourage the young people with mobile phones and other Internet enabled gadgets to utilize them very well in acquiring knowledge.” Remarked Amongin
She further called upon parents to spare time for sharing reproductive health information with their children, because once they fail to do so, other people may take over that role and may end up misleading the future generation.
“MUK has a clear history in promoting sexual reproductive practices through its various structures like; the University hospital, guidance and counseling center and students guild. This dialogue make a great step in empowering students to make informed decisions.” Remarked Dr.Winifred Namuwonge Kabumbuli, the Makerere University Dean of students.
She also recognized the crucial link between sexual health , academic success as well as personal growth, thereby calling upon all students to engage to share experience and also champion sexual awareness at their respective campuses.
“Through platforms like USSD codes and chat bots, Young people can easily access Sexual reproductive health services, but we should aim to scale up to even those who don’t own mobile phones.” Remarked Peter Mark, RHU Finance manager on behalf of the Reproductive Health Uganda Executive Director.
Kulumba Tom , the Manager for gender and youth at Reproductive Health Uganda revealed that the dialogue is targeting adolescents and young people to embrace technology so as to have easy access to information and services about Sexual Reproductive Health.
“As an organization we find it important to extend services to young people and it is through such a platforms that they can know where to find services to improve their health.”
He also called upon government and other policy makers to prioritize young people (the majority population) by allocating enough money in the health sector and sensitization.
This event was held on Saturday under a theme: “Promoting Young People’s Sexual Health; Leveraging The Digital Space” attracting students from a number of Higher Institutions of learning across the country.
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