By Okwang Sani Jerry
Alliance Week 2026 in Namayingo was more than a series of activities for me. It was a personal journey of meeting new people, entering communities, listening to young people and seeing firsthand the realities they face in accessing sexual and reproductive health information and services.
Our journey began with a warm welcome in Namayingo District, where our leader, Margaret Nanyombi, the Programmes Manager at SRHR Alliance Uganda, briefed us on the week ahead and assigned each of us specific roles. As different teams introduced themselves, I was excited to meet the people I would be working with throughout Alliance Week. We were then divided into teams that would remain together for the entire week. This approach was intended to ensure wider coverage of the district, allowing several activities to take place simultaneously. While one team was stationed at a health center, others engaged learners at primary and secondary schools, and another team reached out to community members. This not only helped us cover more ground but also created a sense of teamwork and connection from the very beginning, preparing us for the work and experiences that lay ahead
The following day, we went into the field to create awareness, offer support and empower communities. My team was at Mulombi Health Centre III, where I interacted with many young people, including young mothers and a few young men. We shared information on sexual and reproductive health and rights and conducted a practical condom demonstration. I was encouraged to see young people willing to engage and learn.
My team’s school visits also left a strong impression on me. At one school, I saw a designated space where girls could clean themselves, change pads and even make reusable pads, with support from the Senior Woman when needed. However, during another menstrual hygiene session, I noticed that many more girls than boys were interested. This made me reflect on the importance of involving boys in conversations about menstruation. Boys also need this information so they can support their sisters, friends and partners rather than remain silent or uninformed.
On the third day, I visited more schools and Syanyunja Health Centre III. One thing that stood out was the presence of youth corners and safe spaces where young mothers could meet and receive support. As a team, we mobilised community members to come and access services. I also met a young man who strongly believed he was HIV-positive despite repeatedly receiving negative test results. I encouraged him to return to the health facility for further counseling and support. That encounter reminded me that health concerns are not always solved by a test result alone; sometimes people also need reassurance and someone to listen.
One of my most memorable moments came when we travelled to Bugana. The journey was challenging, and some communities were difficult to reach because of the long distances and the islands. Yet, despite these challenges, community members were willing to access services. We mobilised people to come to the health facility, and many young mothers turned up while their partners were away at work. At Bugana Primary School, we continued empowering learners on personal hygiene and how to make reusable pads.
The final day brought the entire experience to a joyful close. We marched through Namayingo Town, creating awareness and celebrating International Youth Day alongside local leaders and young people. The cultural dances added colour to the celebration and reminded me of the energy and potential of young people in the district.
Looking back, Alliance Week was an unforgettable experience for me. I saw the challenges communities face, but I also saw their willingness to learn, seek services and support one another. Through the people I met and the places I visited, I was reminded that meaningful change begins when we listen, share the right information and ensure that no community is left behind.
Okwang Sani Jerry is a Youth Advisory Committee member Representing Uganda Network of Young People Living With HIV at the SRHR Alliance Uganda