Involving Adolescents in SRHR Conversations: Uganda Boy Speaks Before East African Assembly

A 15-year-old boy from Uganda recently got the chance to represent his peers when he spoke before the East African Legislative Assembly (EALA) on a bill to enhance sexual and reproductive health and rights in the region.

Brian Kumakech, of the Madi-Okollo District in Uganda’s West Nile region, discussed the East African Community Sexual and Reproductive Health Bill, 2021. He joined other adolescents from Rwanda and Tanzania, who also shared their experiences.

The Center for Reproductive Rights, under the SHE SOARS project and in collaboration with its partners, aimed to enrich the proceedings by inviting adolescent boys and girls to the EALA meeting to share their personal experiences regarding sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR).

At the meeting, Brian called on Assembly members to:

• Establish multiple access points for SRHR information, especially in rural areas;
• Decriminalize consensual sexual activity among adolescents; and
• Ensure proactive outreach by health centers to adolescents.

Highlighting how SRHR interventions often focus on girls, leaving boys underserved, Brian asked members, “How does a meeting like this help an adolescent boy like me and my other peers in Madi-Okollo?”

Read Brian’s complete story here:

• “Adolescent Voices Matter: The Inspiring Journey of Brian Kumakech, a 15-Year-Old Reproductive Health Champion”

“How does a meeting like this help an adolescent boy like me and my other peers in Madi-Okollo?”

Brian Kumakech addressing EALA members