Institutional and contextual obstacles to sexuality education policy implementation in Uganda
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Date
2020
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Sex education
Abstract
The successful implementation of sexuality education policy for young people has been shown to depend on a sound legislative
and institutional framework. This article shows that both institutional factors and contextual obstacles have impeded the implementation of sexuality education policy in Uganda. Qualitative research techniques were employed in the form of systematic
document reviews and extensive field-work with 64 participants, of which 32 were in-depth interviews with policymakers and key
stakeholders in Kampala and Mbarara districts. In addition, four focus group discussions (n = 32) were conducted with teachers.
The analysis was carried out thematically and manually, using open and axial coding. It was found that policy success was primarily limited by two broad factors: firstly, by institutional weaknesses such as a lack of capacity, inadequate financial commitment, poor coordination between relevant ministries and ineffective monitoring, and regulatory frameworks; secondly, by social, cultural and religious norms that give informal power to religious and cultural leaders. Two strategies are suggested as potential ways forward: (i) a commitment to both the human and financial resources needed to monitor adolescent sexual, and reproductive health programmes, but more importantly (ii) the initiation of negotiations with cultural and religious leaders to yield more positive outcomes.
Description
Keywords
sexuality education, Uganda
Citation
Anna B. Ninsiima, Gily Coene, Kristien Michielsen, Solome Najjuka, Elizabeth Kemigisha, Gad Ndaruhutse Ruzaaza, Viola N. Nyakato & Els Leye (2020) Institutional and contextual obstacles to sexuality education policy implementation in Uganda, Sex Education, 20:1, 17-32, DOI: 10.1080/14681811.2019.1609437