Voices, in partnership with the Association of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Uganda (AUGO), trained university students as Campus Health Ambassadors (CHAs) on Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR). The training took place at Forest Cottages in Kampala District and targeted students carefully selected to serve as peer champions for accurate, stigma-free SRHR information within their university communities.
The initiative addresses the urgent need for reliable SRHR knowledge among university students. By equipping CHAs with the correct information, advocacy skills, and a deep understanding of SRHR laws, policies, and guidelines, the program ensures students can support their peers and promote rights-based sexual health.
Speaking to participants, Ms. Rose Mahoro, Team Leader at Voices, emphasized the purpose of the training: “We are training you to empower your fellow students with the right, non-judgmental SRHR information and refer those in need to services.”
During the training, CHAs explored Uganda’s legal environment regarding SRHR, Self-Care and Post-Abortion Care (PAC) guidelines, and participated in a Values Clarification and Attitude Transformation (VCAT) exercise. This exercise helped participants reflect on and clarify their personal values related to SRHR issues, enabling them to approach sensitive topics with empathy, openness, and professionalism when educating their peers.
Sumahiya, one of the Campus Health Ambassadors, expressed her enthusiasm: “I feel empowered and ready to engage fellow students in our hostels about SRHR. I now know where to refer those who need services.”
Each year, a number of female students in Ugandan universities are compelled to pause or leave their studies due to unintended pregnancies or complications from insufficient sexual and reproductive health support. By strengthening peer-led education on campuses, Voices aims to equip students with accurate knowledge and link them to essential health services, helping them stay in school and continue their education safely and confidently.
