KYAMBOGO UNIVERSITY — University students and youth advocates have called for urgent reforms to improve safety and well-being in higher institutions of learning across Uganda, citing growing concerns over HIV infections, gender-based violence, sexual harassment, mental health struggles, and substance abuse among students.
The concerns were raised on May 14 during a two-day National Students Conference held at Kyambogo University under the theme “Institutionalising Students’ Health: From Awareness to Action.”
The conference, organised by the Own Your Future Initiative, brought together students from Makerere University, Uganda Christian University, Kyambogo University and other institutions, alongside officials from the Ministries of Education, Health and Gender, civil society organisations, and development partners.
Speaking at the conference, Brenda Katushabe, a young lawyer and founder of the Own Your Future Campus Initiative, said many challenges affecting students remain underreported due to stigma, fear, and lack of youth-friendly services in universities.
“Campus life is often seen as freedom, but with that freedom come issues we can no longer ignore,” Katushabe said, adding that students continue to face rising risks of HIV infections, gender-based violence, sexual harassment, mental health challenges, and substance abuse.
She noted that many cases go unreported because universities lack effective reporting systems and accessible support structures.
Katushabe further called for stronger investment in youth-led initiatives, saying student organisations play a critical role in bridging the gap between service providers and young people.
“Youth-led school clubs are vital because they serve as voices and bridges between students, service providers, and policymakers,” she said.
Kyambogo University Guild President Adama Emmanuel urged institutions to go beyond awareness campaigns and implement practical interventions to support student well-being.
“Aware-ness alone is not enough. We must move from awareness to action,” he said.
He pointed out that although many students are aware of available mental health services, few seek help due to stigma, financial constraints, and limited access to professional counsellors.
Emmanuel called for universities to institutionalise student health, allocate dedicated budgets, and implement structured welfare programmes.
United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) Country Representative Kristine Blokhus emphasized the importance of Uganda’s young population in driving national development if properly supported.
“Uganda has 46 million people, and 75% are under 30. If they are healthy, educated, skilled and employed, they can drive development. If not, progress stalls,” she said.
Blokhus also urged health workers and institutions to create safe, non-judgmental environments for young people seeking services related to sexual health, HIV, violence, and mental health.
She stressed that stigma and poor attitudes from service providers continue to discourage many students from accessing help.
Joshua Thembo called for stronger collaboration between government ministries, universities, and civil society organisations, noting the absence of comprehensive health guidelines for university settings.
“There are no comprehensive guidelines for health within university settings, and we urge the Ministry of Education to act swiftly,” Thembo said.
Representing the Ministry of Education and Sports, Henry Semakula reaffirmed government support for age-appropriate health and life skills education in schools and universities. He also highlighted the importance of mental health awareness and menstrual hygiene education in addressing student vulnerabilities.
Throughout the conference, participants repeatedly urged universities and government institutions to strengthen policies, increase funding, and expand youth-friendly services to address the growing health and safety challenges facing students across Uganda’s higher education institutions.
The conference concluded with a shared call to shift from awareness to action in protecting the well-being of Uganda’s university students.
