Reproductive Health Uganda (RHU) has partnered with Makerere University to organise an Inter-University Dialogue on sexuality.

Codenamed #IUD18, the dialogue was held on Saturday in the Freedom Square under the theme of “Sexuality, Education, Health and Development.” It was in commemoration of the World Sexual Health Day.

A statement from the RHU website says the theme aims “to constitute a reminder” that Sexual Health is critical area that needs a holistic approach if people are to achieve their full potential.

The Dialogue attracted close to 800 participants to discuss sexual health, share sexual experiences, get advice from professionals from the fields related to sexual health, and teach students about sex education and health.

Badruh Kigozi, one of the organisers from the Youth Equality Center said the turn up this year was higher that the previous years. “I am happy that universities such as Ndejje University, Uganda Christian University, Kampala University among others turned up and most of the students were willing to share experiences and learn from one another," he said.

Other universities invited to participate at the event include Gulu University, Islamic University In Uganda, Kyambogo University, St Augustine University, Busitema University, Makerere University Business School, Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Kampala International University, Kampala University, Bugema University and YCMA. Also on the list were African Renewal University, St Lawrence University, International University of East Africa, Nsamizi Institute for Social Development and Uganda Martyrs University.

Kigozi said that while the dialogue was an inter-university event, it attracted secondary school students from within and round Kampala.

Mary Nakato, a student from Kyambogo University said the Dialogue was good and educative. She noted: “It has helped me realize how hard I have to work in order to succeed since other students have had issues to do with sex for marks.”

Daisy Kugonza, a second year student from the School of Education at Makerere University, said the Dialogue helped her learn “a lot about sexuality.” Kugonza added: “I know it's hard to abstain but according to what I have learnt from the Inter University Dialogue, I will put abstinence into practice."