Ugandan youth activist gets international recognition

Sep 12, 2015

Humphrey Nabimanya, a leading Ugandan youth activist, has been recognised by the Muhammad Ali Centre in the US.


By Jeff Andrew Lule

Humphrey Nabimanya, a leading Ugandan youth activist, has been recognised by the Muhammad Ali Centre in the US, for his outstanding contribution towards the attainment of peace and social justice in Uganda.


The 27-year-old is the founder and team leader of Reach A Hand Uganda (RAHU).

RAHU is a youth-led non-profit organization focused on youth empowerment programs with an emphasis on Sexual Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR), HIV/AIDS awareness and prevention.

Nabimanya received a certificate of recognition for his role in sensitizing and educating the youth on their sexual health and rights through his organization.

He becomes the third Ugandan to be recognised and honored by the centre.

The other two previously recognized are Muhammed Kasirisa of Action for Fundamental Change and Development (AFFCAD), and Christopher Ategeka, founder of Rides for Lives.

The Muhammad Ali Humanitarian Awards were created to celebrate the greatness of people around the world who are making a difference in the areas of social justice and peace.

For one to be recognised or honored, one is expected to have fulfilled one of Muhammad Ali's six core principles – confidence, conviction, dedication, respect, giving, and spirituality – in their works.
 

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Prominent people who have won these awards include former US President, Jimmy Carter, Michael Bolton and Christina Aguilera (musicians) among others for their humanitarian works.

Nabimanya said it was a great achievement for him and his team to get recognized by such a reputable centre.

"It is a great honor because I never expected it. It gives me courage to even continue with my objectives to help the youth make informed choices about their sex life," he told New Vision at his office in Kansanga.

Determined to change lives

Nabimanya started RAHU in 2011, with a passion to empower youth with information and skills regarding their sexual health and rights to make right choices.

His passion followed after he was rejected by the community suspecting him to be HIV positive, because he was living with HIV positive guardians.

Following the humiliation he went through, Nabimanya resolved to become an HIV activist to give hope to those who were living positively and encouraging those who are not affected to live responsibly.

He young activist embarked on creating awareness about Sexual Reproductive Health (SRH).  RAHU targets youngsters between 15 to 25 years in universities and secondary schools.

“My background forced me to grow in thinking. Young people have many choices to make in life, but because they are not guided, they make the wrong choices, said Nabimanya.



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