KAMPALA, Uganda — Uganda’s struggles with climate change and teenage pregnancies are intertwined, according to a new documentary that sheds light on the harsh realities faced by rural communities.
“Youth at the Crossroads: Sex and Climate,” premiered at the American Centre in Kampala on Friday, focuses on Kiryandongo District, where changing weather patterns disrupt livelihoods and leave young girls vulnerable to exploitation.
Investigative journalist Canary Mugume, who directed the documentary, said his research revealed surprising connections between climate change and sexual reproductive health.
“I initially thought it was just about food production, but it’s about economic stability, survival, and the vulnerability of young girls,” Mugume said.
In Kiryandongo, shifting weather patterns lead to food scarcity, forcing families to make difficult decisions. For some, this means sending young girls into early marriages or trading sex for food.
“Locals produce food primarily for survival, not sale,” Mugume explained. “When weather patterns shift, they do whatever it takes to get food, including exploiting young girls.”
Mugume recalled his lowest moment while documenting the story: realizing that good weather and rainfall only lead to food production for survival, not economic empowerment.
Reach A Hand Uganda’s Country Director, James Tumusiime, said, “This documentary resulted from community stakeholder engagements we are holding in the districts of Kiryandongo, Yumbe, and Kasese, during which we encountered sociocultural norms and narratives that heavily contribute to the barriers against the achievement of reproductive health rights – especially for girls and young women.”
He added that through the documentary, the organisation is seeking to highlight the impact of the lack of legislation and inadequate access to SRHR services and information while encouraging key stakeholders to proactively advocate for progressive policies and strategies around issues like sexual violence, teenage and unplanned pregnancies, and more.
Raymond Ruyoka, Executive Director Youth Advocacy and Development Network Uganda emphasized the need to integrate food security programs with Sexual Reproductive Health and Rights initiatives.
“Some cultures view the girl child as a product to get food,” Ruyoka said. “We must address these issues holistically.”
The documentary premiere featured a keynote address from the Ministry of Health and a panel discussion with representatives from the Ministry of Health, Youth Advocacy and Development Network Uganda, and the Ministry of Water and Environment.
Experts agree that climate change affects multiple sectors, including health and agriculture.
“Youth at the Crossroads” highlights community-driven solutions to protect and empower girls facing these harsh realities.
The documentary is a collaboration between Reach A Hand Uganda and the Sauti Plus Media Hub.
