Nkumba University has sealed a partnership deal with Voices for Health and Development (VOICES), a feminist women-led organization, to roll out a year-long Sexual Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) program targeting students, especially girls.
The agreement, signed at the Entebbe-based campus by Vice Chancellor Prof. Jude Lubega and VOICES FH Team Lead Ms. Mahoro Rose, will roll out the “Voices4All” Project, a campaign aimed at equipping students with knowledge and access to reproductive health services.
Speaking at the signing, Prof. Lubega underscored the University’s commitment to building not only academic excellence but also holistic student well-being. “At Nkumba University, we believe that competence, confidence, creativity, and character thrive in an environment where young people are healthy and well-informed,” Prof. Lubega said. “
Adding that, “With this MoU, I am confident our students will be better guided to make informed decisions about their reproductive health and rights because knowledge is power.”
The MoU, which will run for 12 months, sets the stage for The Voices4All Project, an initiative that seeks to enhance knowledge of sexual reproductive health, expand access to essential services, and create a supportive environment for female students.
Under the agreement, the University will provide venues, mobilise students, and integrate the activities into relevant structures, while VOICES will lead in technical design, training, and implementation.
Ms. Mahoro described the partnership as a timely step in addressing pressing challenges faced by young people in higher institutions of learning. “Young women on university campuses often face stigma, lack of information, and limited access to reproductive health services. Through this project, we want to change that narrative,” she said. “Our goal is to empower students to live healthy, fulfilling lives and to amplify their voices in shaping policies that affect them.”
The Voices4All Project will feature awareness campaigns, educational workshops, peer-to-peer sessions, and advocacy drives on issues such as contraception, prevention of sexually transmitted infections, safe abortion care, gender-based violence, and menstrual health management. Student peer educators and university staff will also receive training to sustain the impact of the initiative.
Ms. Rebecca Nantale, Nkumba University’s Communications Officer who witnessed the signing, noted that the collaboration will give students the knowledge and confidence they need to champion their own rights. “This is more than just a project; it is a chance for our students to learn, to lead, and to take charge of their health journeys,” Ms. Nantale remarked.
The two institutions will also explore joint research on SRHR needs and challenges among students to inform future interventions. Monitoring, evaluation, and periodic reviews will ensure the project’s accountability and sustainability.
While the MoU does not impose financial obligations on either party, both institutions are committed to mobilizing resources to ensure effective delivery. The agreement also allows for renewal beyond the initial one-year period.
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