To enhance access to sexual and reproductive health (SRH) information and services for young people, Reach A Hand Uganda is actively providing free SRH services to communities as part of its ongoing Safe Love campaign.
The initiative aims to equip youth with vital knowledge and services, including HIV testing, contraceptive education, and safe sex awareness.
Since its launch on Valentine’s Day, the campaign has engaged communities through various activities, including a one-day integrated medical outreach in Lungujja, offering free HIV testing, immunization, and contraception services. Additionally, door-to-door peer learning sessions have been conducted to educate residents on safe sex practices and the benefits of contraception. The campaign also includes condom distribution and live demonstrations to promote safer sexual behaviors.
To extend its reach, the campaign utilizes interactive digital platforms, including polls, podcasts, and social media discussions, to share accurate sexual and reproductive health information with young people.
Under the theme “Love Boldly, Live Safely,” the campaign promotes healthy relationships, informed decision-making, and the prevention of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and unintended pregnancies. A key focus has been adolescent girls aged 15–19, who often face limited access to reproductive health resources.
According to the Uganda Bureau of Statistics, youth aged 18–30 make up 77% of the population, yet many struggle to access accurate SRH information. Data also indicates that the median age of sexual debut in Uganda is 16.4 years, underscoring the need for comprehensive reproductive health education.
Sulaiman Muganza, Community Engagement Officer at Reach A Hand Uganda, highlighted the importance of accessibility:
“Many young people struggle to access reproductive health services due to transport costs and limited availability. We engage communities directly to bridge this gap and offer them the support they need.”
The campaign has received positive feedback from community members. Jackson Owuma, a resident, expressed his appreciation:
“We thank Reach A Hand Uganda for bringing this campaign to our area. I now have access to condoms and a better understanding of contraception.”
However, some peer educators encountered resistance during condom distribution, as some residents believe condoms create mistrust in relationships.
Despite these challenges, the Safe Love campaign continues to drive awareness and provide essential reproductive health services to young people across Uganda.
