Sex education to become compulsory in schools

By Gloria Nakajubi

The state minister for the elderly and disabled, Sulaiman Madada, has revealed that the Government plans to introduce sex education as one of the compulsory subjects in schools.
 

This is aimed at curbing unwanted pregnancies and the increasing school dropout rates.

“We are carrying out consultations with experts and the Ministry of Education to determine which content suits a particular age group and class,” said Madada.

He explained that the target start age will be nine years since at this age, children understand certain sexual issues if explained in models that suit them.

Madada was officiating over the youth debate on teenage pregnancies organised by the United Nations Population Fund (UNPF) and Straight Talk Uganda at UMA Conference Hall in Kampala on Thursday.

He said once equipped with the necessary information concerning sex and sexuality, children are empowered to make informed decisions and are not easily manipulated.

“Many girls have been lured into sex at a tender age because they do not know what it is or their brains are filled with myths other than facts concerning sex,” Madada said.

According to statistics from the Uganda Demographic and health survey, the teenage pregnancy rate stands at 24% of girls getting pregnant before the age of 19. 

Monica Amoding, the national youth female MP, said teenage pregnancies have become a pandemic which is destroying the dreams of many young girls.

“We need services that will help young people avoid early pregnancies. These should be spread in rural areas in modes that are easily accessible for both parents and children,” said Amoding.

While addressing the teenagers, Mondo Kyateeka, the commissioner for youth and children at the Ministry of Gender, highlighted the need for combined efforts by both the community and the Government in fighting the vice.

“Girls need to be given a chance to live as girls and schools should not be turned into maternity wards,” he said.

Wilfred Ochan, the UNFPA assistant country representative, highlighted the fact that many young people do not have access to the investments and opportunities that they need to realise their full potential.