University students, government officials, civil society organizations and development partners on Thursday 14th May, 2026 called for urgent action to institutionalize student health services in higher institutions of learning, warning that awareness alone is no longer enough to address growing health challenges affecting Uganda’s youth. The calls were made during the National Students Conference held at Kyambogo University under the theme “Institutionalizing Students Health – From Awareness to Action.”

The conference, organized by Own Your Future Initiative, brought together students from universities including Makerere University, Uganda Christian University and Kyambogo University, among others alongside officials from the Ministries of Education, Health and Gender, as well as partners such as United Nations Population Fund, Naguru Teenage Information and Health Centre and Marie Stopes Uganda.

Speaking at the conference, Brenda Katushabe, a young lawyer and founder of the Own Your Future Campus Initiative, said the idea for the initiative was born out of realities she witnessed while still a university student.

“Five years ago, I was 20 years old and studying at Uganda Christian University. Campus life was perceived as freedom, but with that freedom came stories and issues we could no longer ignore,” she said.

Katushabe noted that university students continue to face challenges including HIV vulnerability, limited access to sexual and reproductive health services, mental health struggles, gender-based violence, sexual harassment and substance abuse.

Blokhus emphasized the importance of changing attitudes among service providers when dealing with young people seeking health services.

“When a girl seeks contraception or a teen asks about sexual health, your attitude determines whether they feel safe to seek help,” she noted.

She urged stakeholders to create supportive and non-judgmental environments for young people, particularly on issues of HIV, mental health, relationships and violence.

Meanwhile, Joshua Thembo called for stronger collaboration between government ministries, universities and civil society organizations in addressing student health concerns.

“There are no comprehensive guidelines for health within university settings, and we urge the Ministry of Education to act swiftly in providing these,” Thembo said.

He added that universities require more investment in programs addressing HIV/AIDS, mental health and other health challenges affecting young people.

Representing the Ministry of Education and Sports, Semakura Henry defended government efforts toward school health education, saying Uganda’s laws already protect children and young people through age-appropriate health and life skills education.

‘’It’s important to clarify that teaching sexuality is not harmful if the content is age-appropriate and delivered by suitable, qualified persons,” he said.

Henry also stressed the importance of mental health education and menstrual hygiene awareness among learners, saying such knowledge equips young people with essential self-care skills and protection against abuse.

Participants at the conference repeatedly emphasized the need for stronger policies, increased funding, youth-friendly services and sustained advocacy to ensure universities become safer and healthier environments for students across the country.

By: Claudia Dribareo