Love is in the air February is here! But let’s be real: love isn’t just about chocolates and grand gestures. For young people, relationships can be exciting, confusing, and sometimes overwhelming. That’s why it’s crucial to have open and honest conversations about what makes a relationship healthy and fulfilling.
At SRHR Alliance Uganda, we kicked off the “Love Smart, Live Safe” campaign on February 3, 2025, at the Kabalagala Youth One-Stop Center, using the hashtag #LoveOgimanyi and the main objective of this activity was to help young people navigate relationships with confidence, respect, and responsibility.
Why Are Healthy Relationships Important?
Let’s face it, relationships play a huge role in shaping our emotional and physical well-being. When young people are in positive, supportive relationships, they’re more likely to:
- Feel safe and valued
- Develop good communication skills
- Make wise, informed decisions
On the flip side, unhealthy relationships can lead to emotional distress, physical harm, and long-term trauma. So how can we make sure we’re building relationships that lift us up instead of bringing us down?
Learning from Real Life Experiences
During the campaign, young leaders from organizations like Reach A Hand Uganda, Uganda Network of Young People Living with HIV & AIDS, Reproductive Health Uganda, and Tunaweza Foundation shared personal experiences, relationship myths, and eye-opening debates. One hot topic? The age-old question: Is love and money the same thing? (Spoiler: Opinions were very divided!)
Leading the conversation was Sheirat Namayanja, the Youth Country Coordinator at SRHR Alliance Uganda. Together, we unpacked essential relationship skills like:
- Recognizing red flags in unhealthy relationships
- Communicating openly and honestly
- Setting boundaries and respecting them
- Knowing when to seek help and support
The best part? These young leaders committed to taking these lessons back to their communities because real change starts with real conversations.
We want to hear from YOU! Share your thoughts, experiences, and advice about healthy relationships on X (formerly Twitter), LinkedIn, and Instagram using #LoveOgimanyi. Your voice matters, and together, we can create a culture where love is about respect, trust, and understanding.
Building a Future of Love and Respect
Imagine a world where every young person knows what a healthy relationship looks like. A world where love isn’t about control or fear, but about mutual care, support, and happiness. That’s the future we’re building, one conversation at a time.
So let’s celebrate this Month of Love by making relationships safer, stronger, and smarter. Share your love, spread the message, and let’s empower young people to choose relationships that truly enrich their lives!
Join the Movement!
Denis Tumusiime
Communications Scholar
SRHR Alliance Uganda
Great work and I am willing to attend when the call comes.