Voices for Health and Development, on Thursday, 23rd April, unveiled a youth-led My Choice campaign at Nkumba University, positioning it as both a digital and community-driven initiative seeking to expand access to sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) services among young people.
Presiding over the launch, Guild President Mawanda Derick urged university administrators to prioritise the creation of safe and supportive spaces for female students, citing persistent challenges that affect their wellbeing and decision-making. “We appreciate the support that has enabled this campaign to take place, but we must go further and ensure safe spaces for young women on campus,” Mawanda said. “These spaces are essential for their wellbeing and for empowering them to make informed choices about their lives.”
He commended the Voices for Health and Development for addressing issues often considered taboo, noting that many young people continue to make life-altering decisions without adequate information. “When we talk about choice, especially in reproductive health, many young people are not informed,” he said. “This campaign is about equipping students with the power to make informed decisions.
Officials say, ‘My Choice’ campaign combines peer education, digital outreach and referrals to youth-friendly health services, targeting university students, particularly young women, who face risks such as unintended pregnancies, gender-based violence and misinformation about contraception.
Speaking after the launch, Voices team lead Rose Mahoro said the initiative was co-created with students, reflecting their lived experiences. “This is not just a Voices initiative; it was developed with students themselves,” Mahoro said. “We believe that when young people are given accurate information and supportive networks, they are empowered to make informed decisions and access essential services.”
Adding that, “the campaign will train campus health ambassadors to lead peer-to-peer engagement and expand access to services both on campus and online.”
Speaking on behalf of the Board of Gaverners, industrial psychologist Rachel Achen described the campaign as a response to systemic gaps affecting university students. “These challenges are not individual failures; they reflect broader systemic gaps,” Achen said. “University students are often assumed to be fully informed adults, yet many lack access to the right information and services.”
Students welcomed the initiative, though some acknowledged potential resistance from sections of the public. “There are people who will criticise this campaign for being too bold,” said student SRHR champion Awori Lydia. “But we are ready to guide our colleagues because these are real issues affecting young women.”
The launch comes amid growing concern over youth reproductive health outcomes in Uganda, where stakeholders have long cited gaps in access to youth-friendly services, especially within higher education institutions.
Founded as a youth-led, non-governmental organization in late 2024, Voices for Health and Development works to advance the health and rights of young people through advocacy, community outreach and digital engagement. Its programs have increasingly focused on bridging information gaps and amplifying youth voices in public health discussions.
With ‘My Choice’ campaign, organizers say they hope to spark a wider movement across Universities one that encourages open dialogue, informed decision-making and stronger institutional support for young people navigating reproductive health choices.