Mubiru Wil- The big days

liams, 20, is are coming!

a talented Most of us
Straight hope to eat
Talker. meat, visit,
dance and
enjoy. But
remember:
stay safe!
Slow down
and do not
From Namirembe Cathedral, Kampala, lose control!
he sings, composes, and plays guitar
09
and piano. He says: "There is time for
Dece mber 20 Have fun without danger.
everything. Delay sex and stay alive."
. 11 N ovember -
o
Vol. 16 N

Virginity is
Virginity is hot
hot
S
o you think you are the only Some people say people remain virgins because
virgin left? That is a sweet no one is asking them for sex. That is very wrong.
feeling because being a virgin I, personally, have been asked for sex several times.
is the best way to protect yourself But I have said NO. I am a virgin by choice, and so
from HIV. And even if you were born are many boys and girls out there.
with HIV, being a virgin protects
How have you managed to keep your virginity
you from other infections and helps
with many boys asking for sex? I value my body.
you live a healthier life. I am a committed Christian. So I want to be a good
example to others. I belong to my church’s worship
But by the way, you team. If I am not singing and dancing for the Lord,
are not the ONLY virgin I am reading my books. And most of my friends are
anyway! Straight Talk’s virgins. This helps me too.
Doreen Kikanu talked Have you ever had a meeting with someone
to Ruth Agonza, an interested in you? Yes. It was at home. My mother
engineering student at taught me that true friends have to visit me at home.
Kicwamba Technical So anyone who wants to see me, comes home.
College in Kabarole.
Do you ever get sexual feelings and how do you
Ruth is a virgin and handle them? I do, just like any normal person. But
also the college’s they don’t last long. Usually this happens when you
beauty queen. are idle. I always avoid being idle so that I am not
easily tempted.
Today virgins are considered old-fashioned.
What do you think? I totally disagree. Being a Do you think sex is important? Yes, when done in
virgin shows you are smart and a master of your marriage.
life. You are in charge.
Who is your dream man? A man who is a virgin.
How do your friends react when you tell That is what I deserve. We would be meant for each
them that you are a virgin? They accept other since we have been faithful to our bodies.
me the way I am. I have never been insulted,
humiliated or even discriminated against. Some
of them doubt my innocence but I live my own
ndo ST radio
life. So I don’t mind what people think or say. Gorgeous Ivan Te ene Tumusiime,
e lovely Ir
presenter and th time off to relax. Tendo is

Boys under
ke
ST volunteer, ta . H e has a girlfrien
d.
a vi rg in in lo ve

pressure
think that
your friends transmit HIV. But this is NOT true.
are having it.
HIV basics When a person has HIV, the virus
is found in all body parts and body
Oral sex not
Make a safe choice
for your life. - fluids like blood, vaginal fluids and

Boys, now holidays Wabwire John, 17,

safer sex semen. If you are exposed to these
fluids you can get HIV.
are here, you may be is in S3 at Masinya My girlfriend wants oral sex.
worried that you don't SS in Busia. He is She says it is the only way to The virus in vaginal fluids or semen
have a girlfriend. Your a virgin. "I am not avoid HIV/STDs. What can I can pass through the tiny wounds
friends may encourage distracted from my do? Boy, 17, Oleba Seed SS, in the mouth
you to have sex. Your studies worrying Arua and enter
parents may also want about HIV and What you can do is tell her "No". the body.
you to bring girls into pregnancy. If you Oral sex is not a way to avoid In addition,
your "small hut". If you have sex, you HIV. It can pass HIV just like you can get
are under such pressure, cannot concentrate. other forms of sex where body gonorrhoea
remember that strong My friends say that fluids are exchanged. Oral sex of the throat.
intelligent men wait to I am “fireless” but I is when the mouth is used on Dr Paul
have sex. Don’t have sex avoid them.” John any of the private parts: vagina, Semugoma,
just because someone is standing up for penis and/or anus. Since we International
else is telling you to himself! Way to go, don’t usually talk about oral sex, Hospital
do it or because you John! many people think that it cannot Kampala
 Virgins in love
2 Straight Talk, Nov/Dec 2009

L ove is does not rush. It

does not hurt or force. It
means knowing a person,
respecting that person, and
that person respecting you.
Love can be expressed by
talking and sharing jokes, fun
and sweet messages.
"My girlfriend told me from the
very beginning that she preferred
love without sex. I said that was
okay. This has protected me from
getting STDs and HIV. It does not
distract me from my studies and I
cannot make her drop out of school
because of pregnancy."

Damba Joan, 15, is in S2 at Lots of young people are in

Just acTing: ST members
at the Straight Talk Youth
Convention in August act a
drama about relationships.
This dude and chic are strik-
ing an up-close and personal
pose!
Dabani Girls SS in Busia. She
believes she has experienced a love
that is patient. She is so amazed.
She says: "I am impressed by my
boyfriend. He encourages me to
study hard. When we meet, we
make jokes and laugh. We are in true
love. He always wants to be near me.
One day he asked for sex. I told him
to wait until we were married. Since
that time he has never asked me for
sex."
Wabwire John, 17, also lives in
Busia. He studies at Masinya SS.
He was lucky to get a clearheaded
girlfriend. He has appreciated
her opennesss, confidence and
willingness to talk about sex.
relationships but are not having
sex, And they do not seem to
be miserable, helpless or alone.
However, they are having fun.
Some people have sex because
of boredom or disappointment. If
you run into family problems this
Christmas, or the holiday you hoped
for is not happening, do not mess up
your life by jumping into sex.
Q U IZke: ep sex
u
Straight Talk has helped
me to stay safe and cool
H ow do yo at school. I am an active
ur
un de r co nt ro l inriyo
sportsman. I avoid idleness
te to
re la ti on sh ip ? Wam pa la and bad friends. Kasirinji
P O B ox 22 36 6, iz K Baguma, 17, S3, Albert Val-
an d w in pr es . ley College, Bundibugyo

You do not have to have sex... Let go of the stress...

W hat do you do when your
lover wants sex and you
do not? Such differences are
common in relationships.
Faced with exactly that, YD,
in S4 at St Aloysious College,
Nyapea, Nebbi, is struggling to
know what to do.
"My boyfriend tickles me," she says.
"He wants to have sex with me. I
do not want to lose my virginity but
I love him very much. In fact, he
is my life. Please do not tell me to
leave him. What do I do?"
We put YD's question to you
in September's Straight Talk.
We received fantastic advice from
many of you but particularly from
Kyambogo College Straight Talk
Students of St John's SS, Isingiro. They
say they are keeping safe by waiting to
have sex
club. YD, read on and learn about
the choices ahead of you.
YD, control your own life
Thanks, YD, for sharing your love
life. You are young and have got
a whole life ahead of you. Let go
of the stress and stay focussed. Be
the master of your own life, not the
so-called “he is my life". Buwembo
David Mulindwa
Love is not sex
It is good that you are a virgin and
afraid of losing it. Keep on delaying.
Tell your boyfriend the outcome of
unplanned sex. Sex does not prove
love and love is not sex. Love is a
commitment. Mutebi Jessey, S6
Early sex will ruin your life
Dear sister, to lose someone is
hard. But think twice. The way you
feel about this person may not be
the same way he feels about you.
Giving in to his sex demands could
ruin your life. Stick to your point.
If he loves you, he will understand.
Gloria B
Respect is the key
If the boy loves you, tell him how
you feel. If he does not understand,
there is no reason to stick with him.
Make a decision that will make you
happy. Remember no man likes to
marry a lady whose pride was taken
by another man. Shamim N
True love lasts
A relationship based on sex does
not last. If your boyfriend insists on
sex, it means he does not love you.
True love lasts but lust does not last.
Eyeru Jacob, S5

What happens if you do not have sex? (Nothing)

Right idea: Having sex can lead you

S traight Talkers often worry that

something will go wrong if
they do not have sex. Don't worry!
Nothing bad will happen to you
and your body. Get the facts and
enjoy your holiday.
Wrong idea: If I don’t
have sex before 18,
my hymen will harden
like a stone and I will
get problems during
delivery. Linda, 15, S2,
Adjumani Model SSS
Roght idea: Staying a
virgin cannot harm you. At the right
time, you will deliver your baby. The
hymen cannot become hard. It is a
thin skin that sometimes partly covers
the vaginal opening. It is not a sign
of virginity. Some girls are not born
with it. This is normal. Girls who do
not have a hymen but have never
had sex are virgins.
Wrong idea: When you practice
masturbation, you lose your
virginity. Atuhaire E, Ave Maria
SSS, Kyenjojo
Right idea: You cannot lose your
virginity by masturbating, riding a
bicycle or climbing a tree. Virginity is
only lost when you have penetrative
sex (even with condom). Virginity
cannot be regained. But you can
choose to stop sex.
Wrong idea: If you do not have
sex, you feel pain in the private
parts and lose power. Morit Fred,
Straight Talk radio fan, Busia
to get HIV and/or STDs (you can
be infected with more than one
at a time). This infection may
cause pain in the private parts
of both boys and girls. Not
having sex will NOT cause pain
in the private parts or lead to
loss of power.
Wong idea: If I do not
have sex, my penis will
not grow (boy). If I do not
have sex, my breasts will
not grow (girl).
RIght idea: Genes,
hormones and
nutrition control
the growth of
our body parts
like the penis
and breasts.
Sex does not play a role.
Stay safe. If you have
sex, always use a
condom until you
and your partner
test for HIV and are
ready for a baby.
Wrong idea: You can tell if your
girl or boyfriend is a virgin. Ochom
M, 18, S3, Alliance HS, Gulu
Right idea: You can’t tell a virgin
from their looks or body. Only
a virgin knows if they are a
virgin. So before you take your
relationship to the level of sex,
check your HIV status together.
Unlike virginity, you can test
for HIV. There is no test for
virginity.

W hen a teenage pregnancy
happens, it is almost always
unwanted. Each year about
775,000 Ugandan females have
pregnancies they did not
intend, says Makerere
University's Professor
Florence Mirembe.
Girls who get pregnant
are usually deeply
confused and scared.
Often the first thought is
to abort. But despite your shock,
the best solution is to keep the baby.
Ask for your parents'
forgiveness. Then make your
pregnancy the safest and best
it can be: test for HIV, attend
antenatal care regularly,
deliver at the health centre.
Request your parents to take
you back to school afterwards.
Masudoi Resande, 16 and in S1
at Adjumani Model School got
pregnant in her P7 vacation. She
kept the baby.
"I was operated on because the
baby was big for me. After birth
I asked my mum to take care of
the baby and returned to school. I
told the headteacher that I had a
W hen a boy and girl have
unprotected sex, the boy
releases 100-300 million sperm cells
into the vagina with
one ejaculation.
Within 10 minutes of
ejaculation, about 200
sperm cells will have
entered the uterus,
swimming towards
the fallopian tubes in
search of the female's
egg. You only need
one sperm cell to
Going to the city for the first time: get ready!
H ave you just completed
S6? Do you hope to go to
university in Kampala? Get
prepared! Going from rural
home to city campus is exciting
but also hard!
Berochan
Patricia, 18,
is studying at
Kyambogo
University. She is
the first person
from River View
village in Nebbi to
join university.
"Villagers respect people who live
in Kampala," says this orphan who
studied A levels thanks to FAWE-
Mvule. "Before I came to Kampala, I
imagined flats and rich people. And
when I reached, I saw many cars
and beautiful buildings. The city was
noisy and busy."
Patricia grew up in a grass thatched
breastfeeding child. He introduced
me to the senior woman teacher. I
breastfeed the baby in the morning
and at lunch time. My baby is
now 13 months. I do not have a
problem of leaking
breasts."
If Resande had aborted, she could
have died. But equally, if her
parents had not helped her have
a safe pregnancy and delivery, she
could also have died. Many girls die
in childbirth..
But today Resande is alive and
fertilise the egg. So the two of
you are extremely likely to
make a baby.
Government
policy
supports
family
planning for
adolescents.
So do not be
ashamed to go
to a clinic to find
out more. Boys,
hut, like most children in villages.
She arrived at campus with one
pair of shoes and had never worn
trousers.
"Most students spoke Luganda. I
could not understand. I felt inferior.
doing well. Her only real sadness
is her boyfriend. "I do not know
where he is hiding. "
Sometimes schools and parents
drive young girls towards
abortion. "I had a friend who got
pregnant," says Arinda Docus,
18, from St John's SS Rutysa,
Mbarara.
"Her school expelled her, and her
mother told her to abort so that she
goes back to school. She accepted
but died during the abortion."
Dr Charles Kiggundu of Mulago
Hospital defines abortion as the
removal of pregnancy before 28
weeks. Sometimes this happens
naturally, when it is called a
"miscarriage". Other times the
abortion is "induced", which means
that the foetus is deliberately made
to leave the uterus.
Dr Kiggundu says abortion can
be safe when it is performed by
trained professionals using scientific
methods in hygienic conditions. But
in Uganda, abortion is restricted: it
can only be carried out if two doctors
agree that the life of the mother is in
danger or if the foetus is deformed.
Because of these restrictions, most
do your part. Always use
condoms. Girls,
can use pills or
injections.
It is best to
use double
protection:
condoms plus
pills or injections.
Says Mulago
senior nurse Emily
Nakirija: "Such family
planning methods are
Students called me backward.
When I said I came from Oringi SS,
they said they had never heard of
it. One girl said it must be in Sudan.
Every girl at campus had treated
hair. I tried to do the same but
failed for lack of money."
Today Patricia has got used to
the university. "I do not mind
what they say. I know where
I have come from and I
am reading hard."
Jacky Abangowath,
26, is a Straight Talk
editor. She is also
from Nebbi. "I am
the only girl in my
village of Ocayo
who has studied up
to university. Most girls are
married off at 12."
Jackie says that if you move
to a big town or city live
within your means. Do not
get stressed by trying to be
Straight Talk, Nov/Dec 2009 3
girls opt for illegal abortions. These
are almost always secret and unsafe,
often performed by untrained people
using dangerous methods. Many
girls try to carry out the abortion on
themselves.
Muhwezi Donanta, a clinician
at Reproductive Health Uganda,
Mbarara, says many girls use sticks
or herbs. "One girl had a stick at
the opening of the uterus. Her uterus
had started rotting. She had a sticky
offensive discharge."
Emilly Nakirija, senior nurse at
Mulago Hospital, says that unsafe
abortions can lead to excessive
bleeding, infections and infertility.
In Uganda there are about 297,
000 induced abortions every year
among 15 to 49 year-olds. Of these
females, about 1500 will die from the
abortion. That is four a day!
Another way to look at it is that 6000
Ugandan females die each year due
to pregnancy-related complications.
Of these, 20-30% are due to induced
abortions.
Girls, save your life. Wait to
have sex until you are out of
school. Once out of school, wait
for that serious and special guy.
safe for you. Get advice from any
health worker." Do not be shy to visit
a family planning unit. The nurses
would rather provide you with family
planning than to see you later with
an unwanted
pregnancy or after
an abortion.
like others. Beware of men who are
ready to provide but at a cost.
"At Makerere I met students who
had stylish clothes that I could
only wish for," she says. "But I
understood my background. I kept
my hair short. During the second
semester in the first year, I used my
savings from volunteer jobs to start
a small business selling second-
hand clothes to students. There
were men willing to provide but I
could never allow." "
Jacky always remembers what
one professor said in orientation
week: "You can get different
degrees from university:
a degree in HIV or an
education degree.'
Today Jacky has two
degrees, including
a Masters in Public
Administration and
Management. She is
married with one child.
4 Straight Talk, Nov/Dec 2009
We were hooked to alcohol
Alcohol Is HIV risk
Xmas is here. You may be
looking forward to parties,
lots of food and drinks. But
avoid alcohol! According to
the Ministry of Health, almost 80%
of secondary students have tried
alcohol. In towns it can start with
an invitation to hang out or meet
over a bottle of beer. In rural areas
many mothers brew to support
families.
Straight Talk visited Uganda Youth
Development Link (UYDEL) centre
in Nangabo, Wakiso. UYDEL
cares for youth with alcohol or
drug problems or who might have
sold sex. Social worker Ibrahim
Kibalema is the Centre Manager. He
says: " We receive all sorts of young
people. Once they are here, we
put them through a 10 day sports
session called Street Smart. This
gets them fit and releases tension
We then start group and individual
counselling. If the causes of alcohol
abuse are environmental, these
young people are withdrawn from
that environment and accommo-
dated in our hostels.
For others we visit their homes and
talk to caretakers to ensure they are
coping well with the rehabilitation
process. They can stay for up to
six months.We always have them
choose a vocational training in tai-
loring, carpentary and wielding. "
Ntayi Ronald, 18, from
Kawempe, says: "My friends
encouraged me to drink.
Your friends might get you in
UYDEL Executive Director
Rogers Kasirye says: "Alcohol
slows your ability to
think, speak and see
things as they really are.
This leads to unprotected
sex, rape and defilement.
Alcohol can make a man
fail to erect and can kill.
Saying no to alcohol
shows you are mature,
strong and smart. If your
friends drink, it can be
hard to say “no, thanks.”
You can stop alcohol abuse
Doctors have drugs that reduce
the craving for alcohol. Justus
Twesigye, a pyschiatric social
worker at Makerere, says: "If you
have alcohol problems, you need
support from family and friends.
They can distract you.
Avoid places where alco-
hol is sold or easily found,
and friends who want to
buy you a drink.
Treating alcohol abuse is
complicated. You are bet-
ter keeping off it. Four in 10
people who are treated for
alcohol problems in Butabika
fully recover. This means they
Fatima Hamdan, Musoke Lucky and Nampijja Joeriah at the
UYDEL centre. They have recovered from alcohol abuse.
Sometimes I would not return
home. My parents chased me away
and refused to pay my school fees.
I stayed with friends and made
chapati. But I was so frustrated and
drank heavily. Luckily my friend
Ivan put me in touch with UYDEL
social workers who collected me
and took me to the centre. I am
now better."
A neighbour introduced
Nampijja Joeriah, 20, to beer
when she was in her P7 vacation.
"When one bottle was no longer
enough, I washed peoples' clothes
to get money to buy more. I
thought alcohol was helping me
forget my problems. But I lost
respect from people. My parents
But if you have such friends,
help them. Tell a trusted adult. If
you don’t help them out,
they might get you in. Not
everyone drinks. Be very
scared when friends tell
you everybody drinks and
alcohol does not harm
anybody. Some say that if
you take alcohol in the right
amount, you will have no
problem. There is no 'right
amount'. Some people take
one bottle and get drunk."
are off alcohol for a whole year.
Dr Basangwa says: The first step is
realising you have a problem. You
will be counselled and assessed.
•Those with low alcohol levels
are discouraged from taking
alcohol at all. They may get
side effects like headache, diar-
rhea and hangover. These are
treated.
•Those with high alcohol levels
bodies are given certain medi-
cine for over 6-12 months. This
protects them from coma and
depression that can occur due
to sudden withdrawal.
waragi with soda. We drank until
we could hardly walk and went
home late. In my S6, I deceived
that I was sick and spent the whole
day sleeping at school. The school
told my mother that I had not
studied. My parents were so angry.
My sisters talked to me but I did
not listen. In the final exams I got 8
points. My parents stopped paying
my school fees. I no longer drink."
Straight Talkers, get inspired by
these stories. If you want to stop
drinking, you can do it! Send your
alcohol stories to Straight Talk,
PO Box 22366, Kampala.
Warning
Alcohol sachets
are a big proble
m
for students
isolated me from the family. I Th e Minister of Heal
th, Stephen
took four months to recover from Mallinga, is conc
erned about
alcohol. I have reformed." alcohol sachets:
"Students
hide them in thei
r luggage,
Musoke Lucky, 20, from pockets, jerrycans
, between
Namugongo, committed a mistake bread slices, book
s and
at home and feared the punishment pants." Dr D Basa
ngwa, head
so he ran away. "I joined builders in of Alcohol Unit at
Butabika
Masindi. When I asked them what Hospital, says wa
tch out,
made them strong, they gave me some waragi man
ufacturers
essada (marijuana). After work we mix dangerous ch
emicals like
drank beer. Sometimes we mixed thiner and metha
ne to make
beer and essada." He no longer their alcohol stro
nger. As a
drinks and is training as a welder. result, many peop
le have died.
Fatima Hamdan, 22, wants
to repair phones after her UYDEL
training. "I started taking alcohol in
S3. We would escape to the beach.
I started with wine, then mixed
Alcohol trouble?
Take this test to find out if alcohol is a problem to
you. If you answer YES to four or more questions,
you need to reduce your drinking.
• Do your parent/guardians complain about your drinking?
• Do you feel guilty about your drinking?
•Can you stop drinking when you want to?
•Have you got into trouble because of
drinking?
•Have you been arrested or have an
accident due to alcohol?
•Do people annoy you by
criticizing your drinking?
•Have you ever felt like
drinking in the
morning to
get rid of a
hangover?
For help call: UYDEL
041-4-530353, Serenity Centre
077-2-561144, or any government
referral health centres.
 Straight Talk, Nov/Dec 2009 5

Diary of a young positive - Jane

In February 2009, we started running the diary of Jane, 18, who is living with
HIV. Today we are happy to introduce the actual Jane. She is Princess Nuru
Nabumba Kisitu. Age 23, she is Straight Talk's Officer for Young Positives. She
says: "I feel it is time you met and connected with me. It will help me answer
your questions and concerns better."

O ctober 15, 2009 was a special

day for me. I was preparing
to go to work, when I got a call
from a gentleman. He told me he
had just read my story in The New
Vision and wanted me to help his
friend who was HIV positive.
Cathy Watson, president Straight
Talk, and other colleagues
had nominated me for New
Vision's HIV Prevention Award.
I was flooded with calls and SMS
messages. I could not concentrate
on work.
To date, I have received 183
phone calls and 77 texts from the
Phillipines, USA, Tanzania, Austria,
Kenya, Iraq, Nigeria, South Africa
and Sudan. These messages
give me strength to go on telling
people about HIV. I am no longer
ignored.
Most callers wanted to know what
drives me to disclose and what has
kept me alive for 23 years yet I was
born with HIV. I told them that the
last time I was very sick, I asked
God to give me another chance
so that I would share my story. He
granted me that wish, and I cannot
let him down.
Others ask about discordance.
Some who are HIV positive want to
know how they can have children
who are HIV negative. Others
wanted to know whether they can
be in a relationship.
Fred from Makerere
University said: "Hi Nuru,
thank you for your story. I
have been touched. Now I
have two heroes. You and
Namaganda, the girl who
saved others in the Buddo
fire."
Some of those who saw my story
wanted my help. One had been in
a relationship for three years. In the
first two years, they had protected
sex. In the third year they started
having unprotected sex. Then a
neighbour warned him, 'I hope you
are having protected sex with that
girl.’ He learnt that his girlfriend
was on ARVs. It dawned on him
that they should have first tested
for HIV together. He ended the
relationship. For one year he was
worried and almost sure that he
had HIV. When he read my story,
he came to me, asking me to escort
him to be tested. The results were
negative. He cried but they were
tears of joy. He even carried me
up. We are good friends now.
Here are some of the
other texts I received
"Hi Nuru, I am 26 and HIV positive. I tell
people that I am positive but they do not
believe. I do not want them to be like me.
What can I do?"
"Nuru hi, how do I live positively? I just
found out 2 weeks ago. Am so scared.
Help me please. Am so cold."
"Hi, Princess, I am a boy, 16, in S3. I
have HIV. Will I marry in future?
Now I have more work
since I have to respond
to these questions.
Some people and
organisations want me
to continue talking
to young people,
something I really
want to do. Meanwhile
I will be graduating
with a Diploma in
Counseling. I will be
the first in my family.

Discordance:
Joe is also living with HIV It is where one of people in a sexual
relation is HIV negative
and the other is HIV positive.

Living with HIV is

not easy even if you
are on ARVs. If you
have any questions
for Nurru, write
to PO Box 22366,
Kampala.
By the way Nurru is in
a relationship and not
searching!
Her contacts are
0774 449 713;
pnurru@
S traight Talk also loves
boys, so we bring you the
story of Joe, 18, who was also
The one thing that I looked out
for was her status. When I learnt
straighttalkuganda.org
she was HIV positive like me, I

born with HIV. When his first
girlfriend tested HIV negative,
Joe was relieved and ended the
relationship. He did not want
to infect her. But his feelings
drove him to a new girl...
"It is over with my first love. I have
a new girl now. I met her at our
peer support group. Before I zeroed
down on her, I had my eyes on
three other girls. But two played
hard to get. So I hard lined on this
one, till she accepted.
Boys, are you a young positive wanting advice on
romance or anything else? Write to Joe on
PO Box 22366, Kampala or dvawd@yahoo.ca
Quiz
had to make a quick move. The
good thing is that I did not have
This Nov-Dec Uganda
to study her for long since she was is observing 16 days of
in my peer support group and activism against violence
t
we met for the young positives against women. Straigh
activities at the medical centre. Talk is joining in.
With her, I do not have to worry
o. No
Look at this terrible phot
about my status and hide my
drugs because we collect our len ce.
one deserves such vio
ARVs together. Of course there se . Tell
were quite a number of girls who There is NEVER any excu
at you
were interested in me. I let them us stories of violence th
ng, we
down." have witnessed. By talki
can find solutions. Writ
e to
PO Box 22366, Kla.
6 Straight Talk, Nov/Dec 2009
Bye to 2009, welcome 2010
T he year 2009 has been
great. You sent us over
4000 letters, many of which
were responses to quizzes. We
rewarded your brilliance with
prizes - 350 caps, pens and
books! Even if you did not get
a prize, you got or will get a
personal letter from us and
a copy of Straight Talk. But
writing to us is not just about
prizes. It is about sharing your
thoughts. Keep it up in 2010!
In September
we asked
you: "Who
is your hero,
that person
you admire
and want
to be like?"
Wandera
Mildred of
Lumino HS,
Busia wins
the top prize:
the book The
Mammoth
Book of Heroes. She wrote:
"Justice James Ogoola is a big man
despite many challenges. He is the
In our June Quiz, we asked
you to tell us what
your parents/
guardians do to
educate you. These
great letter writers
win Gifted Hands by
Ben Carson.
Selfless aunt
B Mutoni, 15, S3,
Nabisunsa Girls’ School,
Kampala: When you
read this address you
might think I am a lucky
rich kid. But life has not
been easy. My parents and
two siblings were killed in
the Rwanda genocide. My auntie
adopted me. She does not make
much money and has to stay in her
shop till late so that I go to one of
the best schools. I know I am lucky
to be in a big school. I have never
shared my story and many friends
think I come from a rich family.
rpes
SCIENCE CORNER: Genital he15-2
The virus HSV1 causes genital
4 of boys and girls aged
herpes. It spreads through contact
with an infected area.
People with genital
herpes are four times
more likely to have
HIV because the
sores are like many
doors through which
HIV can simply walk
into your body: 27%
Principle Judge of Uganda.
He has four children, good
houses, and his home is
fenced. He helped many
people, including my
brother, reach university.
His family is well educated
and dresses well. Ogoola
has translated the
New Testament
into Lusamia. I
want to be like him in future."
The following four Straight
Talkers win Introduction to
Biology.
Obbo Johnson Emmanuel,
S3, Jinja College wrote:
"Our village chairman
Kabogoza Gibril is the person I
admire. Though highly educated, he
decided to serve his community. In
2006, the villagers rejected him claiming
that he was so educated. But he did
not give up serving our community.
There is a time when we lacked safe
drinking water. He had joined German
Water project and constructed piped
water. He also convinced villagers to to
plant tree on the shore line and virgin
lands around. In January 2009, when
She never gave up on me
My parents were students
when my mother became
pregnant. After giving birth
she got a job and would
take me to work. My
father only started paying
my school fees in S5. My
mother still provides me
with everything. I owe her
a big debt. Nabwire L,
Tororo Girls’ School
My mother is a star
She works hard and
sometimes borrows money
to finance her business
and clear our fees. I sat for
my S6 this year. She is determined
to push me until I realise my
dream. She is a counsellor who
corrects us when we go wrong. She
cooks on time, protects and cares
for us. Ajego J Kefra, Kingstone
College, Soroti
years have genital herpes. There
is no cure, but treatment
can shorten the length and
seriousness of the outbreaks.
See a health worker if you
have rash, itching, tingling
or painful blisters on your
genitals or mouth. Never
have sex without a condom.
elections were held, Kabogaza was
unopposed."
Muwanguzi Simon Peter, S2,
Buwembe SS, Busia wrote: "I
admire Moses Mapesa . He grew
up in a poor family and now is
the Executive Director of Uganda
Wildlife Authority. His
parents used to sell maize
and beans. His motto as a
student was not to play in
class."
Obama dances with his wife, Michelle.
Obama is a family man. In 2009 he
Econi Hesse, S2, Arua
became president of the USA and won
SS wrote: "Field Marshal the Noble Prize!
Idi Amin is my hero.
From a humble family grandmother at the most important
with a little education he time in his campaign to become
managed to rule Uganda. president, he followed his dream.
He was active sportsman. In 1975, In one speech he said, 'I will not
he promised the national football forget to whom the victory belongs.
team houses and cars if they won it belongs to you the people of
African Cup finals. Unfortunately, USA.' He is a true leader."
the team didn't win so he only gave
out cars."
Straight Talk cgaiv es
Bazanye Mathieu, Kimaanya
out books be u se
readers are d a
SS, Masaka wrote: "Barack
Obama
Is my Hero. Despite his humble leaders. Rea day!
background and the loss of his book this holi
What would we do without the is a rice farmer. She is a secondary
mothers and auties who care teacher. Sometimes they borrow
for us? money to take us to school. When
they fail, they plead with the school
administration to allow us study
as they look for school fees. They
always say, “go to school and fight
the battle to the end”. Napyo C,
17, S5, Iganga SS
Auntie sacrificed for me
I was born in Kampala. Due to
hardship, we were forced to return
to Nebbi but later my aunt brought
me back and paid my fees. When
her husband lost his job, I sat home
for two years. She started roasting
maize by the roadside. Then my
uncle got an accident. Again I sat
home. I heard about Forum for
African Women Educationists,
Blessed relatives applied for a scholarship and was
We are five children. When we lost successful. I am now in S5 and
our parents in 2001, our uncle and still with my aunt who provides all
auntie took us in. Despite having six my basic needs. Mandhawun P,
children, we are all in school. He Global College, Wakiso
Quizzes for 2010:
get your pen out!
Bride Price: Are there girls in your com-
munity who have been forced to marry be-
cause of bride price? Tell us your stories.
“Pulling” of the vaginal lips is a valued
part of sexuality in some cultures. Tells us
your pulling stories. When did you pull? How
did you pull? Did a friend help you to pull?
What is the purpose of pulling? Write to PO
Box 22366, Kampala.
Straight Talk letter manager Denis Pato says: Express yourself!
 Straight Talk, Nov/Dec 2009 7

ANSWERS to science test

In the July QUIZ, we shot you science questions. These prize winners did got distinctions.
Tell us what you know about
PEP? Kabega Titus, S3, Mengo
SS, Kampala, wrote: "PEP is
Post-Exposure Prophylaxis. It is
an antiretroviral treatment that
reduces the likelihood of HIV
infection after potential exposure.
PEP can be given to females and
males who have been raped,
defiled or someone who accidently
come into contact with the blood
of an infected person like health
workers. PEP must be started within
72 hours after exposure to HIV."
How many sperms are in a single
ejaculation?
Okello Douglas, Alliance HS,
Gulu, said: "Sperm calls are tiny
cells produced in the testicles
continuously beginning at puberty
stage. There are between 100
million to 300 million sperms in an
ejaculation. When these cells meet
a female egg or ovum, fertilisation
can take place, and the woman
becomes pregnant."
Students of Light
SS, Soroti, ready
for studies.
Describe signs of an STD.
Nyangoma Eudia, 16, S2,
Rwenzori HS, Kasese, said:
•Sores around the private parts
•Pain when urinating •Pus from
private parts •Skin ruahes •Un-
use a condom correctly:
•Check the expiry date before us-
ing it
•Gently press the condom seal to
confirm that there is pressure
•Open the condom by opening the
V-shaped part
•Press the condom tip and unroll it
onto an erect penis
•You can now enjoy safer sex
•After ejaculation pull out the penis
before it is soft.
• Hold onto the condom at the
base of the penis to keep it on.
Pull out the penis before it is soft.
• Slide the condom off without
spilling the liquid inside it and
dispose off in the pit latrine
Start loving
condoms
If you are a virgin or have
stopped sex for now, that
is great. No sex is the
healthy smelling semen or vaginal safest way of life for an
fluid. unmarried adolescent.
But if you ARE having sex,
How is a condom used? ALWAYS use a condom for
Kalyegira Juma, 19, S5, Kololo every round of sex consis-
SS, Kampala, answered how to tently and correctly.

All batches of condoms

Read and be inspired

Poem by Marriane
Williamson
Our deepest fear is not that we are
inadequate. It is that we are powerful
beyond measure.
BOYS: mind your underwear
Recently men have
turned underwear into
a fashionable thing. But
underwear is useful for
keeping your penis under
control.
Straight Talk's Lugbara radio
presenter is Elia Alitia, 21.
He says: "I wear briefs for full
protection in case of
an erection." Simon
Butsatsa, 21, who
presents ST's
Lumasaba ST show,
says: "I used to wear
briefs but now I wear
boxers for health
reasons. I don't want to
squeeze my testicles."
Underwear is not
compulsory.You may or may
not put them on. But they can
We ask ourselves, who am I to be
brilliant, gorgeous, talented,
and fabulous?
Actually, who are you not to
be?
You are a child of God.
Your playing small doesn’t
serve the world.
Marriane Williamson is an author who
inspires millions with her books. She says
love is what we were born with. Fear is
what we learned here.
save you if the penis
erects at a place and
time that is not okay like
class or assembly. The
underwear will hide it.
Whatever your favourite
underwear style, from boxer shorts
to bikini briefs; your underwear
should fit right. If your underwear
is too tight and
your testicles are
squeezed for a long
time, it may affect
sperm count. Guys,
take care of testicles.
Wash your
underwear with soap
after every wear.
Avoid wearing jean
shorts as underwear.
They can harm your
testicles.Cotton is the best material.
Why? It absorbs sweat.
There is nothing enlightened about
shrinking so that other people won’t
feel insecure around you. We are
all meant to shine, as children do.
We were born to make manifest
the glory of God that is within us.
And as we let our own light shine,
we unconsciously give other
people permission to do the
same.
As we’re liberated from our own
fear, our presence automatically
liberates others.
Cool dudes: Smith
Namanya S5 and Brian
Katuusa, of St.Leo Kyegobe
SS, FortPortal.
in Uganda are carefully
inspected before sale.
Fredrick Ssekyana of the
National Drug Authority
(NDA) says: "When condoms
arrive in the country, we test
their strength, size and quality.”
All batches of condoms that fail
the tests are rejected and taken
for burning in Nakasongola.
To check for strength, the
condoms are put on the
computerized airburst
machine. Air is blown
into the sample condom
until it bursts. The com-
puter shows how much
air the condom was able
to hold before it burst.
The more the air, the
stronger the condom.
To check for leakages, selected
condoms from the batch are put
on the computerised measuring
tap to ensure there are no holes
and other defects.
On size, condoms are checked
for length and width using a
ruler. If a condom is too wide,
it can come off during use. If
the width is too small, it be tight
and uncomfortable. Other tests
include checking for sufficient
lubricant, smell, thickness and
foil package to preserve quality
during storage.
You can find out if the
condom you are using
is approved by NDA.
On your phone, type
the word NDA, leave a
space and then type the
name of the condom
and then send to 7197.
E.g. NDA Protector and
send to 7197. Avoid sex
under the influence of
alcohol or drugs. You
may fail to use condoms
correctly.
8 Straight Talk, Nov/Dec 2009
Dear
Syfa
P. O. Bo x 22 36 6
PO Bo x 22 36 6A
K A M P A L
K A M P A L A
W e have a deaf boy in our village
but people undermine him. They
do not allow their children to play
with him. What can I do? Mukae M,
17, Yefe HS, Mukono
You can befriend him. Learn how he
communicates, invite and involve
him in activities like games and
parties. When you see him alone,
go and talk to him. Encourage your
friends to do the same. You will have
done a great thing, and got a friend.
It is good you recognized that there
is a problem. All people who are
stigmatized feel bad and isolated.
This makes their lives difficult.
My girlfriend had sex with my brother
and became pregnant. I still love her.
What can I do? Ongom S, Bombo
HS, Luwero
It depends on what the lady thinks.
Is she in love with your brother?
What are their plans? What does
she think about you? Also, during
teenage, we may feel very deeply
in love at the moment, but it may
change in future. Do not rush into a
decision now. You can also talk to an
adult friend you trust to advise you.
I want to fall in love with an 18 year
old boy. I think of him all the time.
Advise me. Nabirye Suzan, S2,
Kibibi College SS, Jinja
During teenage years, we start
getting feelings of being attracted
to opposite sex. We fall in love and
feel like having sex. This is natural
and normal. But these feelings
change. You get ‘crushes’ on people,
which may change very quickly.
Even though this is natural, if you
act on it, it may have some serious
consequences. For example, if
you decide to have sex, you may
get pregnant or get HIV/STDs.
Do not do anything if you do not
ADVISE KS:
Mum forces me to have
sex with houseboy
I stay with my stepmother, she has three
daughters who have all lost their virginity
at home with our
houseboy. Now
she is telling me to
have sex with the
same houseboy.
My father died
and she pays my
school fees. What
can I do? KS,
Equator College,
Mukono
Publisher: Straight Talk FOUNDATION 4 Acacia Ave, PO Box 22366, Kampala (U) Tel: 0312-262030/1, E-mail: info@straight-talk.or.ug Web: www.straight-talk.or.ug;
President: Cathy Watson, Executive Director: J Wiltshire, Print Director: T Agutu, Editorial Manager: M Akello, Editors: F Ouma, G Awekofua, J Abongowath, P Kiwuuwa, J Nafula,
Chief Designer: M eB Kalanzi, Designers: GB Mukasa, AB Dentine, Funded by CIVIL sOCIETY FUND: DANIDA, DFiD, SIDA, IRISH AID, USAID
Nyarukoma SS Straight Talk Club members in Kyenjojo are focused
and staying safe. “True friends guide, not misguide” is their motto.
Happy Hours SSS Straight Talk club members committed to staying
happy and in school for the bright future. Bravo!
feel you are ready to handle the
consequences. Do not force yourself,
or let anyone else force you. If you
are not sure, it is better to wait.
If I love somebody who is HIV
positive, and it so happens that we
get together in a tempting situation,
how can I avoid having sex with such
a person? JB, 17, Peer Educator,
Young Empowering Initiative,
Kasese
A person living with HIV is like you.
They have sexual feelings and fall in
love. Some people will not tell their
HIV status for fear of being rejected
and stigmatised. So, it is not fair to
limit your question to those who are
HIV positive. If you don’t want to
Seeta HS students all
dressed up for their end of
year party (sosh). We would
like your sosh stories. Write
to PO Box 22366, Kampala.
Remember to send your
sosh pictures. You will win
T-Shirts.
which is like a mixture of blood and
pus comes out. What is it? Emienu T,
S4, St Stephen SS, Katakwi
See a health worker as soon as
possible. These are signs of an
infection. It may be an STD. You
need to get treatment immediately.
The longer it stays untreated, the
more complications you can get.
Your urine can be checked, you
will be given medicines to control
the infection. Later you need to be
checked again to make sure that it is
cured. Do this as fast as you can so
that you don’t get other problems.
Don’t fear to go to a health worker.
And ask the health worker how to
prevent this problem.
If I have gonorrhea and I have
unprotected sex with my boyfriend,will
he get the disease? Akur-Too J,
Pajule SS, Pader
Yes, you will give it to him. In boys,
gonorrhea shows up with pain on
passing urine, pus or blood in urine.
In girls it is a very silent disease. You
don’t feel anything. Unfortunately,
during this time, it is damaging inside
your body. So it is important to have
treatment as soon as possible. Your
partner should also have treatment,
even if they don’t show the signs.
This usually means that when a boy
has gonorrhea, his lovers should
go for treatment. And it is very
important that they should not have
sex until after finishing treatment.
Counsellor: Dr Paul Semugoma
New voice on
Straight Talk Radio Sh
have sex with someone, don’t get ow
Me et sI MO N bU TS AT
into a tempting environment. If you SA ,
who replaces Peter Ma
get into one, and you realise it, give tanda
on Kh uk an ikh a Lu bu ula
an excuse and leave immediately. , the
Lumasaba radio show.
The longer you stay, the more likely
He says: “Appreciate who
you will be tempted. Learn to say you
are and put what we discus
NO and mean it. It stops people s
into action. HIV/AIDS has
from taking advantage of you. no cure but we can avoid
And remember, you have to agree it.
Do the right stuff all the tim
to have sex. Only a person who e.
That’s NO to sex, correct
doesn’t respect you will force you use of
condom, if we can’t abstain
into having sex. That is rape. Taking .”
Simon is 21
alcohol and drugs like marijuana
and in a
decreases the chances of you saying
relationship
NO. You are less likely to reason well
but waiting
when you are drunk. So beware of
to have
alcohol and drugs. They are deadly.
sex when
married.
Whenever I urinate, I feel pain. A fluid
Moyo youth centre
Welcome to Moyo Youth Centre. It is located along OAU road, opposite
Capital Gardens in Central One vil-
lage. The center offers you guidance
and counseling, boy and girl talk, one
on one talks, school and community
outreaches, sports, forums for parents,
teachers, people with disabilities, and
people living with HIV/AIDS. You can
also pick your Straight Talk copy at the
centre.
Make use of the services offered at the
centre.
Moyo Youth Centre counselors
ready to serve you. Contact them
on: 077-7-620259