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CEHURD Media Fellows Shine at the 2024 Uganda National Journalism Awards

Congratulations to the CEHURD media fellows who excelled at the 2024 Uganda National Journalism Awards, presented by the African Centre for Media Excellence (ACME). The awards recognized outstanding journalistic contributions within the Ugandan media landscape, with CEHURD fellows taking home several prestigious accolades.

Sam Ssebuliba, a CEHURD fellow, won the award for Best Health Reporting. Daniel Lutaaya was recognized in the Public Accountability category, while Rhonet Atwiine placed second in Health Reporting. Julius Odeke, a runner-up for Traditional and Cultural Reporting from the New Vision, and Hafiz Bakhit from Arua One FM, a runner-up for Community Reporting, also demonstrated their excellence.

In an interview, Daniel Lutaaya, CEO of News 247 Uganda, attributed his success to the trainings provided by CEHURD on reporting about injustices in Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR). He stated,

❝Trainings by CEHURD on reporting about injustices in SRHR have spurred my interest in documenting poor public healthcare services, especially in rural communities. One of the winning stories was about a health centre in Terego, West Nile, where midwives were using phone lights and torches to deliver babies at night because the region isn’t connected to electricity. CEHURD has trained me on how best to seek out and tell the health angle of stories. This has become a vital skill for me in my reporting, and I believe it played a great part in winning this award.❞

Samuel Ssebuliba, a Spark TV journalist, expressed his gratitude to CEHURD for supporting him in producing a story that won him an award. He said,

❝The story that CEHURD supported me to do has won me an award. You have really impacted my journalism career. Through CEHURD’s media fellowship, I became aware of numerous under reported SRHR issues that silently impact people, particularly women in remote areas. For instance, in Bagwe Island on Lake Wamala in Kassanda district, where I conducted my story, mothers are dying during childbirth due to lack of access to hospitals.❞

Hafiz Bakhit, another CEHURD fellow, attributed his success to the support received from the organization. He stated,

❝The CEHURD-supported story titled ‘We got pregnant in search for food’ is among the four stories in the body of my submission that earned me this place. The other is also a health piece titled ‘tobacco companies reap trillions as unsuspecting consumers dig own graves,’ which was also inspired by CEHURD after the fellowship. Thank you so much CEHURD for the wake-up call, inspiration, and support.❞

These achievements showcase the positive impact of CEHURD’s efforts in empowering media practitioners and promoting impactful journalism in Uganda. Through the annual media fellowship program, CEHURD has played a crucial role in enhancing journalists’ understanding of reporting on health and human rights issues nationwide.

❝CEHURD’s media fellowship gave me a direction on story angles and pitching impactful stories that change behavioral patterns. The experiences during and after the training put me on a journey to enroll for a human rights course.❞ ~Esther Bridget Nakalya from the Daily Monitor.

The fellowship covers topics such as the Sexual & Reproductive Health & Rights (SRHR) of young people, mental health, Values Clarification & Attitude Transformation, human rights-based approach to SRHR, strategic communication, story pitching, and effective advocacy techniques.

Journalism is a powerful tool for creating change through raising awareness, sparking conversation, and inspiring action, ultimately contributing to a more informed and empathetic society. CEHURD’s media fellowship program continues to equip journalists with the necessary skills and knowledge to produce impactful stories that make a difference in the lives of Ugandans.

Compiled by CEHURD’s Communications Department.

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Self-Care is not Selfish, It is Necessary!

CEHURD together with the Ministry of Health joined partners to Celebrate International Self-Care Day in Kayunga

By Paul Webs

On Friday, July 26, 2024, I had the honor of joining CEHURD Uganda in the vibrant town of Kayunga to celebrate International Self-Care Day—a day dedicated to health, well-being, and, above all, self-love. This event highlighted the importance of self-care for individuals and communities, making it a day to remember.

Held on July 24 each year, International Self-Care Day (24/7) is a global observance symbolizing that self-care should be a continuous priority—24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The World Health Organization (WHO) defines self-care as the ability of individuals, families, and communities to promote health, prevent disease, maintain well-being, and manage illness with or without the support of a healthcare provider. It’s a vital component of healthcare, especially in communities with limited healthcare resources.

The event in Kayunga was packed with activities designed to make everyone feel empowered as the guardians of their health, with sessions that encouraged a sense of mindfulness, techniques to handle daily stress, helping attendees embrace a holistic approach to wellness.

Exhibition stalls set up by local health advocates, wellness brands, and CEHURD showcased a wide range of products and tools for self-care. From herbal teas and organic skin-care products to demonstrations on meal prepping and stress-relieving exercises, there was something for everyone. A particular highlight was the “Nutrition and Health Talks” booth, where experts shared insights on maintaining a balanced diet and incorporating nutrient-rich foods into everyday meals.

Health Talks on Nutrition, Mental Health, and Lifestyle

Another key feature of the day was a series of engaging talks covering crucial aspects of self-care: nutrition, mental health, and lifestyle maintenance. Nutritionists discussed the importance of balanced diets and shared practical tips on achieving wellness without drastic dietary changes. Mental health professionals led discussions on recognizing signs of stress and burnout, offering guidance on coping strategies to keep mental health in check.

One of the event’s most compelling moments was a discussion on “Maintaining Health for a Happier Life,” which provided a fresh take on achieving wellness without the pressure of extreme fitness or diets. Participants learned about integrating exercise into daily routines in enjoyable ways that don’t feel like a chore.

The celebration in Kayunga served as a joyful reminder that self-care is an essential aspect of a healthy lifestyle. With support from CEHURD, the event reflected how simple acts of self-love—taking time for a mindfulness break, opting for nutritious food, or embracing a positive outlook—can make a difference in overall well-being.

Remember: Self-care isn’t selfish; it’s necessary! Take time for yourself, embrace kindness, and live healthier every day.

About the Author

Paul Webs is the Founder and CEO of Touchvert Uganda Limited, specializing in digital communications, brand influencing, content creation, digital strategy, storytelling, and digital marketing. He’s a tech-savvy blogger and the creator of the “Twitter Barbecue Party,” bringing together online communities for lively discussions.

#SelfCareDay #NationalSelfCareDay #SelfCare4UHC

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Empowered for change; My Journey with the Centre for Health Human Rights and Development

By Ritah Namakula | a practising midwife at Mulago Specialized Women and Neonatal Hospital and Central Regional Coordinator of the National Midwives Association of Uganda, writes about her empowerment journey with CEHURD.

Midwives are essential healthcare professionals for the provision and seamless coordination of community and facility-based maternity care. As a midwife who is passionate about human rights and sexual reproductive health (SRH), I had a challenge with advocacy for SRH. Opportunities come to those who are hungry for them. Indeed, I have received several opportunities of trainings in advocacy for SRHR from the Centre for Health Human Rights and Development organization (CEHURD).

Through these advocacy trainings with CEHURD, I have learnt expound on my networking skills, obtained effective communication skills, public speaking skills, teaching skills, research and writing skills and gained confidence while presenting policy issues. With application of such skills, I contributed to 2023/2024FY Budget Advocacy Planning regarding Sexual Reproductive Health and Rights.

CEHURD provided invaluable training sessions that broadened my perspective. These sessions emphasized the critical role of advocacy in effecting real change for those whose voices are often unheard. We delved into global issues surrounding Sexual Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR), understanding deeply how these rights intersect with health outcomes worldwide.

Another challenge was understanding the importance of storytelling in advocacy. CEHURD taught me how personal narratives can drive change. I initially struggled to share my own experiences, but with guidance, I learned to craft powerful narratives for example, I shared my story of witnessing adolescents and women with unwanted pregnancies lose their lives due to unsafe abortion services, which has empowered these communities to seek safe services from trained service providers.

On many occasions we dug into policy advocacy. I learned essential skills such as research, writing compelling arguments, and presenting effectively to policymakers. This training highlighted the significant impact of influencing laws and regulations on improving people’s lives, which was particularly enlightening for me as a service provider. These experiences at CEHURD not only deepened my understanding of advocacy but also empowered me to advocate more effectively for human rights and health issues. During the training sessions, I realised that advocacy is not just about passion, but about acquiring the skills and knowledge to create meaningful change in communities

My perception of advocacy shifted significantly. It became clear that advocacy is more than just protesting or signing petitions, it’s about harnessing knowledge and compassion to foster tangible and impactful change. CEHURD also emphasized the value of teamwork, we engaged in collaborative group projects, pooling our strengths and ideas to tackle complex issues together. This experience taught me that advocacy can be more impactful when we join forces with others who share our goals and passions.

Generally, the Centre for Health Human Rights and Development has profoundly reshaped my view of advocacy. It has illuminated advocacy as a crucial instrument for promoting justice and equality. The trainings provided me with not only newfound confidence but also practical skills that have empowered me to effect real change in my ongoing advocacy efforts.

A version of this article was first published on July 23rd 2024 in the Daily Express   

 

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About CEHURD’s Midyear Staff Retreat 2024

The CEHURD team met in Gulu in July for the mid-year staff retreat, a valuable opportunity to refresh and plan for the second half of the year. The retreat featured a series of enriching sessions, including in-depth appraisals of our institution’s key approaches, policies, and core values. This ensured that every team member was aligned and equipped to drive our mission forward.

Additionally, we warmly welcomed and oriented new staff members, introducing them to our team’s dynamic and inclusive culture. The retreat provided a platform for meaningful connections, knowledge sharing, and collaborative planning, setting us up for a productive and successful second half of the year.

Gulu District, where we held our retreat, is one of the districts where we implement our projects. In fact, we have successfully implemented three significant projects in the northern and West Nile region, including DINU, Stand 4 SRHR, and TASO Global Fund Projects OVC phase 7. These projects have enabled us to make a positive impact in the lives of the people in Gulu and surrounding areas, and we look forward to continuing our work in this region.

𝗪𝗲 𝗵𝗮𝗱 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗼𝗽𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁𝘂𝗻𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝘁𝗼 𝗺𝗲𝗲𝘁 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗹𝗲𝗮𝗱𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝗳𝗿𝗼𝗺 𝗔𝗿𝘂𝗮, 𝗠𝗮𝗱𝗶-𝗢𝗸𝗼𝗹𝗹𝗼, 𝗧𝗲𝗿𝗲𝗴𝗼 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗬𝘂𝗺𝗯𝗲 𝗱𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗶𝗰𝘁𝘀, 𝘁𝗼 𝗱𝗶𝘀𝗰𝘂𝘀𝘀 𝗰𝗼𝗹𝗹𝗮𝗯𝗼𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗿𝗲𝗳𝗹𝗲𝗰𝘁 𝗼𝗻 𝗖𝗘𝗛𝗨𝗥𝗗’𝘀 𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗸 𝗶𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗱𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗶𝗰𝘁𝘀.

Mr Alfred Okuonzi, LC 5 Chairperson, West Nile Districts and focal person for NGOs and CSOs ~ ❝CEHURD has been a valuable partner in improving healthcare in Uganda, particularly in the West Nile region thereby complimenting Government efforts. He observed that CEHURD’s relationship with West Nile is like padlock and key – inseparable and made reference to CEHURD’s impactful TB contact tracing work within the last 3 years under TASO/Global Fund programme and Social Accountability and Legal Empowerment for social services under DINU project.

CEHURD’s work stands out and supports our goal of social accountability. Local Government values your role as a watchdog improving Uganda’s healthcare system and sees you as partners, not opposition.❞

Mr Okuonzi further noted that the TB detection rate is still low in the region, teenage pregnancy is 27% above national average of 24%, early marriages continue to be high, gender based violence and girls dropping out of school. He called on CEHURD to continue with the collaboration in addressing these persistent challenges and specifically requested for support in the development of Ordinances to that focus on these issues.

Mr Anyama Williams, Chairperson, West Nile Local Government Association observed that West Nile bears the burden of providing healthcare services to the districts in the region as well as the inflow of patients from neighbouring DR Congo and South Sudan, yet with no additional budget to cater for this inflow and cannot turn away patients from these countries.  

❝We appreciate the oversight responsibility of CEHURD. Please also consider paying attention to the challenge of the many young people who are already struggling with poverty and are using the little they have to buy “Mairungi”. Each week a young person spends the same amount they would spend on a bag of cement. Not many partners have picked interest in addressing this problem, yet i believe it is a social justice issue.❞

 #CEHURDStaffRetreat

Compiled by CEHURD’s Communications team.

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From a Shy to a Brave Young Advocate for Sexual and Reproductive Health Rights

My name is Catherine Nassanga, and I am 23 years old. While volunteering with MildMay in 2021, I was introduced to CEHURD through a friend. Growing up as the only girl in my family, I used to be shy, which negatively impacted my self-esteem. However, through CEHURD’s interventions, I gained confidence and now speak to many fellow young people as an advocate.

CEHURD trained me in advocacy for young people’s sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR), including budgeting, gender-based violence, gender justice, human rights-based approaches, and HIV/AIDS. In my community, young girls often faced early pregnancies, forced early marriages, or unsafe abortions due to a lack of SRHR knowledge and support.

After being empowered by CEHURD and learning about the right to demand better health services, I gained the confidence to support girls facing SRHR challenges. CEHURD’s interventions also helped me decide to pursue a course in counseling and guidance to speak to young people from a more informed background.

The advocacy spaces CEHURD provided have given me a platform to reach out to young people with SRHR knowledge and engage with policymakers to voice issues affecting youth. I have actively participated in budgeting processes, raising young people’s priorities for the national budget. During a Universal Periodic Review meeting, I argued that denying young people access to contraceptives does a disservice to them, as many are secretly or forcefully engaging in sexual activities.

I call upon other civil society organizations to provide advocacy spaces for young people to raise issues to responsible stakeholders. I also hope that CEHURD continues to support young people with this crucial information. This year, I set a target to reach out to at least 50 young people per day with SRHR knowledge and information through my youth corner at the Mildmay facility in Lweza Kajjansi, and I have reached over 7,000 young people so far.

I envision a society where gender-based violence against girls ends with my generation.

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