MASINDI, October 21, 2024 — Students from various secondary schools in Masindi Municipality are urging the government to improve access to friendly sexual and reproductive health services in local facilities.
In interviews with this reporter, the students shared their struggles in accessing these services, often hindered by stigma and unwelcoming health personnel, which they claim violates their sexual and reproductive health rights [SRHR].
One student recounted a troubling experience at Masindi Hospital: “I developed a skin rash and was mistreated by a nurse who was supposed to help me. Some health workers are rude and ask questions that make us feel stigmatised. As young women, we face many challenges but often fear speaking out,” she said.
Another student, who preferred to remain anonymous, emphasised the lack of awareness about SRHR, urging health workers and stakeholders to visit schools to educate students. “Our parents don’t provide this information, yet it’s essential. We struggle to understand our rights and access necessary services,” she said.
Over 30 students made this plea during a training session on sexual and reproductive health rights organised by FIDA in partnership with Finish Mission Uganda, as part of the Saving Living Environment Project, held at Kabarwana Pentecostal Church in Masindi Municipality. The training attracted students from Masindi Secondary School, Jordan Pride Secondary School, and Christian High Secondary School.
Annette Karamagi, Masindi District Probation and Welfare Officer, noted that discussing sexual and reproductive health remains taboo in conservative communities. “Access to services like contraception and safe maternal care is still limited, particularly for young women and girls. Social norms and stigma significantly hinder access,” she stated.
Karamagi highlighted that cultural and religious barriers contribute to a lack of education and awareness. “Young people, especially girls, face stigma when seeking reproductive health services. In rural areas, access to SRHR services, including contraception, is limited due to a lack of infrastructure and health professionals. Schools and parents are not providing adequate education on SRHR, leaving young people uninformed.”
Florence Adoch, a midwife at Masindi Hospital, explained the challenges parents face in discussing sexual health due to cultural constraints. “Parents often hesitate to talk about it with their children, yet it’s crucial for them to understand. My message to adolescents is to seek help from health facilities when they face challenges. Hiding is not the solution,” she advised.
Jane Mary Nakyambade, a Senior Woman Teacher at Masindi Secondary School, emphasised the need for parents to engage in their children’s sexual education. “Many parents seem to neglect this responsibility, leaving teachers to handle a large number of students,” she said.
Balton Ahumuza, a Senior Man Teacher at Jordan Pride Secondary School, echoed these concerns, stressing that parents need training on SRHR to effectively educate their children. “We often assume parents know what to do, but that’s not always the case,” he noted.
Clare Wamara Businge, the District Labour Officer for Masindi, pointed out the consequences of inadequate sexual health knowledge among youth, including rising rates of teenage pregnancy. “Such training needs to be intensified in schools to address the challenges young girls face,” she added.
Bishop Charles Bagonza, General Overseer of Pentecostal Churches in Uganda, remarked on the cultural barriers that prevent children from voicing their concerns. “Many children suffer in silence. Cultural norms, socioeconomic issues, poverty, and lack of knowledge leave children and families vulnerable. Our training aims to empower young people to make informed decisions and to encourage them to educate their peers,” he said.
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