Uganda requires a strategy for sexual and reproductive health and rights advocacy
By Otai James
While most individuals, young and old alike, find a debate about sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) to be interesting, if you’ve been paying attention, you might have noticed that SRHR talk is still frowned upon in some Ugandan societies and other African contexts. A state of total physical, mental, and social well-being in all things pertaining to the reproductive system is considered to be good sexual and reproductive health. This means that people can have sexual relationships that are fulfilling and safe, that they can reproduce, and that they have the choice of whether, when, and how frequently to do so.
Sam Mwandara, the National Coordinator of the Right Here, Right Now-II program (RHRN-II) in Uganda, believes that access to accurate information (such as seeking, receiving, and imparting information related to sexuality) and a variety of safe, effective, and affordable contraception options are essential for maintaining one’s sexual and reproductive health.
“the information can empower young people and as well ease the negative taboos, cultural practices, sexual and gender violence prevailing among communities and also affecting young people, who are defenseless and ignorant in Uganda’s communities,” Mwandara said.
RHRN -II coalition secretariat team L: Sam Mwandara, Aisha Namugenyi and Lawrence Muhangi at work
According to target 3.7 of the sustainable development goals, everyone should have access to sexual and reproductive health care by 2030.
However, many low-income nations like Uganda continue to have inadequate access to SRHR knowledge and services. The unwillingness to endorse SRHR-related initiatives is another problem Uganda faces. But these are essential.
Over the years, the RHRN – II program through coalition members and partners has collaborated with service providers to advance SRHR for young people and women. However, these collaborations need to have an advocacy strategy as a framework specific to service providers to guide advocacy efforts and contributions to the realization of a progressive legal and policy environment for young people’s SRHR.
In acknowledgement that service providers have unique experiences working with young people to respond to SRHR needs for young people and that their lived realities have the potential to persuade decision and policy makers to create a supportive legal and policy environment for young people’s SRHR, RHRN – II embarked on the process of developing this advocacy strategy.
In light of this, our coalition member Centre for Health Human, Rights and Development (CEHURD) was invited to a two-day residential meeting that would be held at Speke Resort in Munyonyo- Kampala on May 8 and 9, 2023.
The National Midwives Association of Uganda, the Association of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, the Pharmaceutical Society of Uganda, among other associations, invited midwives, doctors, advocacy and communication staff from other organizations. Planned Parenthood Global provided assistance for the gathering.
It was a very fascinating and instructive discussion, and I learned to think beyond my role as a Midwife and Women’s Health Specialist. We discussed the importance of advocacy in strengthening access to SRHR services with the team as we reflected on the status of SRHR service provision. Each of our groups was able to develop an advocacy strategy, advocacy goals, objectives, and interventions. Finally, as a group, we were able to debate what success would entail and how we would track our progress. Uganda, in fact, requires a Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights Advocacy Strategy.