Reagan Kulubya’s journey with the Empower Youth Project (EYP) started in 2022, after the COVID-19 pandemic. As Reagan looks back on completing the project in 2024, he feels proud and accomplished. He describes it as a “life changer.”
Through the project, Reagan advocated for Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) for young people. He went from observing the issues around him to becoming a leader for change. The EYP helped him grow, allowing him to speak out on important issues affecting young people.
The training sessions he attended on SRHR, advocacy, entrepreneurship, and governance shaped him as a person. He went from being a peer educator to training others to do the same. His writing skills improved, and he even won several awards. Some included the Essay contest for the 2021 World Population Day on Adolescent Reproductive Health and the 2022 UNESCO essay contest on Intercultural Dialogue. He also won the Economic Policy Research Centre’s essay competition on challenges facing Ugandan communities. Reagan’s success did not stop there. He won the 2024 World Vasectomy Day prize for his story on Menstrual Hygiene and the role males play in supporting women. His work was recognized globally when displayed at the European Union Parliament in 2024.
As the project continued, Reagan saw the creation of important tools to help young people. One of these was the Wekume SRHR mobile application, which makes it easier for young adults to access sexual and reproductive health services. Another was the Savings and Loan Management Information System, which helped youth manage their finances.
Another big EYP achievement was the renovation of the youth corner at Kitebi Health Centre III. The space was transformed into a place where young people could get youth-friendly SRHR services. This new space has made a big difference, as more young people now have easy access to the needed services.
Looking back, Reagan feels proud of his leadership roles with the Youth Plus Elite Club and the Kampala Youth Empowerment Centre.
“As a leader, I also proudly reflect on my tenure at the helm of Youth Plus Elite Club and my position as Publicity Officer for both the Kampala Youth Empowerment Centre and the YEC Network Uganda. These experiences have had a profoundly positive impact on my career. I extend my heartfelt gratitude to Action 4 Health Uganda and DSW Germany for empowering me and fellow young people through the groundbreaking Empowered Youth Project (EYP). Recalling the project’s achievements fills me with joy and nostalgia, leaving an indelible mark on my life. The guidance and support I received have been instrumental in my personal growth and development.”
~Leonald Reagan Kulubya-SRHR Advocate
