Kampala, Uganda, 11 May 2018 – The Ministry of Education and Sports launched the National Sexuality Education Framework at Kampala Parents’ School. The Framework is Uganda’s first ever guideline on sexuality education which seeks to create and overarching national direction for response in respect to sexuality education in the formal setting of educating young people in Uganda.

To date, young Ugandans are continuously exposed to sexual and reproductive health challenges, such as high cases of early marriages, teenage pregnancy, sexually transmitted diseases including HIV/AIDS, and sexual and gender-based violence.

In the last decades, sexuality education has been a controversial issue in Uganda, often portraying inaccurate information about sexuality through mass media outlets and traditional beliefs. The development of the National guideline, therefore, is a blueprint in guiding teaching of age appropriate and cultural and religious sensitive sexuality education in schools.

“The Framework will guide on sexuality education for Uganda’s youthful population. It is important to note every young person will one day have life-changing decisions to make about their sexual and reproductive health,” said Ms. Rosa Malango, the UN Resident Coordinator in Uganda.

During the launch event, First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports Hon. Janet Museveni stated that “We owe our children a holistic education that goes beyond academic, but empowers children with life skills, values and builds character.”

The National Sexuality Education Framework will promote and facilitate the development and delivery of sexuality education programmes in the educational system in Uganda that will go a long way in promoting the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals and Uganda Vision 2040. UNFPA has been a strategic partner in supporting the development of the Framework.