By Kabuye Ronald
Youth advocates for Sexual Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) have been urged to embrace evolving global priorities to ensure their advocacy remains impactful and sustainable. The call came during the Annual Youth Symposium 2025, organized under the RHRN II project by the SRHR Alliance, held at Skyz Hotel in Kampala.
The symposium, centered on strengthening youth advocacy sustainability, highlighted two key challenges to the longevity of SRHR efforts: shifting funding priorities and the increasing impact of climate change. A diverse range of professional guest speakers equipped the youth with strategies, knowledge, and community-building tools to foster long-term advocacy success.
Discussions during the event covered vital topics such as climate change, digital advocacy, sustainable partnerships, and the importance of adaptability in youth-led movements. These sessions were designed to empower young advocates to tackle the evolving landscape of SRHR while ensuring the sustainability of their efforts.
In his keynote address, Jacobo Eyeru, Chairman of the Uganda National Youth Council, emphasized the need for youth advocates to harness new digital tools and adapt their advocacy approaches in response to shifting priorities. He drew attention to the growing intersection between SRHR and climate change, urging the youth to be proactive in navigating these challenges.
“Raising awareness about SRHR is important, but it’s not enough for sustainability. Advocacy requires the right skills, consistency, and adaptability—especially for young people who must keep pace with the ever-changing SRHR landscape,” Eyeru remarked. He further explained how climate change impacts SRHR directly, citing the example of water scarcity affecting menstrual health.
Mary Rio Babirye Ssemakula, a board member of SRHR Alliance, called on youth to recognize that funding is increasingly moving away from SRHR and behavioural change initiatives toward climate change. She encouraged young advocates to be innovative, flexible, and align their priorities with current sustainable strategies. Ssemakula underscored the importance of personal branding, strategic positioning, and adaptability in achieving advocacy sustainability.
Ayebare Denise, a climate activist, highlighted the broader implications of climate change, noting that it disrupts economies, displaces communities—including pregnant women—and damages healthcare infrastructure. She stressed that SRHR advocates must integrate climate discussions into their work to build resilience and create sustainable solutions.
Patience Ahumuza, an SRHR advocate, pointed out the importance of finding a niche for sustainable advocacy, stressing that platforms like TikTok can be used effectively to spread SRHR messages. “Sustainability in advocacy requires accountability, and digital platforms allow us to demand that in real-time,” she said.
Lillibet Namakula, team leader at Public Health Ambassadors Uganda, stressed that information is a powerful tool for building sustainable SRHR systems. “We must ensure SRHR information is factual, intentional, and free from misinformation. When shared effectively today, this knowledge can shape the SRHR narrative for generations to come.”
Pimer Peace, Founder and Executive Director of Nile Girls Forum, concluded the symposium by noting the shift from individual fundraising to partnerships, coalitions, and consortiums. “To sustain youth-led advocacy, we must leverage partnerships, identify intersecting funding gaps, and maximize resources to ensure our impact extends beyond financial support,” she said.
The Annual Youth Symposium 2025 was a pivotal moment in shaping the future of youth-led SRHR advocacy, urging participants to adapt to shifting global priorities while maintaining a focus on sustainability and long-term impact.
