Straight Talk, Nov/Dec 2010 1

vol.16No.5Nov/Leo2010
Can I be infected if I have sex with
an HIV positive person and I hurry to
take ARVs? Atiko J, Kalaki SS, Soroti
You are playing with fire and wondering whether you
can get burnt! You will get burnt. HIV is spread mainly
through sex. Sometimes doctors use HIV drugs (ARVs)
to decrease the chances of infection. This is Post
Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP). But this does not mean
risking.
We do this in emergencies like when one has been
raped or defiled by an HIV positive person, pricked
by a needle that was used on someone positive or
involved in an accident. But one can still get HIV.
Dr P Semugoma, International Hospital
Kampala
HI V BASICS
S
traight Talk worked
with 15 students
as journalists for a day,
from five schools in
Kitgum, in Sept 2010.
They interviewed fellow
students and wrote
stories about parent- child
relationship.
Oyet Denish, 18, S3,
Kitgum Comprehensive
College, says: I relate
well with my parents.
When I got a girlfriend, I
told them about it. They
advised me to abstain
until after my studies. I
took their advice.
By Michael O,
Kitgum High School
So you wish your parents would talk to
you not only about good grades but also
about your changing
body, relationships,
sex and answer your
many questions.
One of our readers
Kirabo Olive, Gay-
aza High School
wrote: "Straight
Talk, I want to know
why during adoles-
cence girls and boys
become unruly. If I
ask my mother, she
will not explain well
like you do?"
We replied Kirabo's letter. She
wrote back: I complement you for
doing a great job. I like the way you
talk about things we teenagers
cant even think of asking or telling
our parents. If all parents could
answer the many questions from
young people the way you do,
the world would be a better
place."
And what do parents say?
Straight Talk caught up
with Kirabo's mum,
Comfort Piwang, a
lawyer and she
said: "It was
hard talking to my daughters about sex and
relationships. I asked my mother to talk to
them. But later I started talking.
None of my daughters has ever
shared with me their life. I would
wish my daughters to be free with
me, and all teenagers free with their
parents.
Most parents are life Comfort. They
find it hard to talk with you but wish
you would start the talk.
Make the first move. Start
talking with your parents.
Make them your best friends
first. Let this be one of your New
Years resolutions.
Edith Mukisa, counsellor and
mother of two boys
says: "Talking with
parents makes you
less likely to engage
in risky behaviour
like early sex that
expose you to HIV/
STDs and unwanted
pregnancies. Share
ideas freely, discuss
problems and get good
advice from parents."
SS
traight Talk worke k
with 15 students
as journalists for a da
from five schools in
Kit K gum, in Sept 2010
They interviewed fello
students and wrote
stories about parent-
relationship.
Oyet Denish, 18, S3
sa
"When he said he loved me, I felt the
vibe too. And when he asked for sex,
I easily gave in. I learnt the hard way
that love doesn't protect. That first
time I got HIV and also got pregnant.
Are you in love? That is great!
However, choose good love. If
someone tells you that I love you, say:
'Thank you for loving me. If you really
love me, let us go and test together.'
Dont let your feelings drive you to
do something very stupid. Testing
together for HIV is testing the love you
have for each other.
Lately I dont mix life with feelings
because I can put myself or someone
in danger. Let us come together
and fight HIV." Jacky Alesi 24, is
a volunteer with Straight Talk
Foundation.
Jacky has been sharing her story of
living with HIV in the Positive Diary
column as Sonia since June 2010.
Read more about her story on page 3.
Tame your feelings.
Always test together for
HIV before that first sex.
'JOURNALISTS' AT WORK:
Omara Isaac and Komakech,
Kitgum High School
Kirabo
d talk talk to So you wish your p r arents would So hard talking hard talking to my daughters about sex and
Straight Talk, Nov/Dec 2010
2
Just like any relationship, building a good
relationship between you and your parents
requires commitment from either side.
LdithMukisa,savsvouoanenriohvourrelationship:
Read a favorite book or plav games together
Lat together as a familv.
1ake a walk around the neighborhood.
Allow time for vour parent to
askquestions.
Answer honestlv.
Respeot their ohoioes.
3av thank vou
Show themloveandoare.
d. rhood
Our journalists in Kitgum
had nice time with fellow
students from 7 schools.
They interviewed them
about how they relate with
their parents. This is their
say:
Anana N, Kitgum Progressive
College, 16, says: My father
passed away. I stay with my
mother. I help her to dig to
raise my fees. I share with her
anything be it good or bad."
By Akot Sharon 17, S3, Issoke
Memorial College
Auma C, 15, S1, Kitgum
Progressive College
School, who wants to be a
policewoman says: I love my
father most. He works hard
to ensure he pays our school
fees and visits us at school.
Mum restricts our movement
and she does not allow us
to associate with friends she
doesnt know.
By Odong John Bosco,
20, S5, Kitgum HS
Ed: Your mother simply wants
the best for you. It is safer for
your parents to know your
friends.
A student of Westland,
Kitgum says: Im closer to
my mother than father. We
discuss issues concerning
my life like boyfriend. It is
hard to reveal such a thing
to my father. He is rude and
quarrelsome." By Micheal
Parents may seem not
to be there or give you
time to talk with them
as explained by Komakeoh
L 16, 33, of Kitgum P3 in
an interview with Mwaka J,
Kitgum HS: Mv father has no
time for us. when he oomes
baok, he goes direot to his bed
room.
You can find the right time
to talk with them as told
in these stories:
Weekends
Aling J, 17, S3, St Bakhita
Girls SS, Kitgum, says: My
mother is a politician. We
discuss home and personal
issues over weekends. She
also provides us with all the
basic needs so that we are not
reminded of our beloved dad
who passed away. By Amony
Monica, S4, Oxfard College
After gardening
I talk to my parents after
lunch or after gardening. We talk about school, the subjects
Im offering, and how I can stay safe in this era of HIV/AIDS.
Kikongo Dickson, 17, S3, St Josephs Vvumba SS, Kiboga
Doing work together
Grace Anema, 17, S3, St Bakhita Girls SS, Kitgum, says:
We are 21 children in our family. I talk to my mum when Im
doing work with her like cooking or washing clothes. She is my
Kitgum HS, says:
My father was
killed by Lakwena.
My mum likes me so
much. She pays my
fees, feeds me well,
and we speak openly
to each other. We
respect each other
but we dont fear each
other. When Im at
school, we talk over
the phone. I call her
in the evening after
work. By Danish
Jackson, KHS
Not tired
Anana Nancy, Kitgum
Progressive College,
16, says: I stay with my
aunt. I normally talk to her
when she is not so tired. By
Akot Sharon 17, S3, Issoke
Memorial College
Meal time
Nyakagabo T, 18, Vvumba
SS, Kiboga, says I respect
my parents. One time, I
was suspended from school
because of fighting. I told
mum about it at lunch time.
She advised me not to fight
again.
Parents are
a blessing
Find the right
time to talk m
f
a
tt
r
b
o
sc
th
in
w
Ja
No
An
1he Peadmistress
of 3t Bakhita
0irls' 33, Kitgum,
Sr Alga Alur
says: 1alk to
vourparents
when thev are not
so busv or tired.
Parentsspend
the whole dav
working.
1hev mav not give
vouattention
when thev are
busv. 0ive them
time to rest and
talk to them later.
1hev will listen. Be
oloseandopento
vourparents.
role
model. She is a hardworker
By Amony Monica, S4, Oxfard
College
Cavin Acan, 17, S3, Kitgum
Integrated College, says:
Im in good terms with mum.
I talk to her about my school,
personal needs like pads and
what to do when I experience
painful periods. I talk to her
when she is not very busy
By Akot Sharon 17, S3, Issoke
Memorial College
After work
Mwaka John, 20, S5,
some students. This is what
they said. "My parents are too
protective. When I am out
with friends, they think we are
doing bad stuff. I want them
to understand that
I know whatever I do.
I am not careless."
Phyllis Tumusiime, 16
Ed: Parents worry about your
safety. Ease their worries by
telling them where you are
going and who you will be
with.
"I talk with them openly. They
listen and encourage me to
speak out my mind. Doreen
Ayabale, 17, S5
Pastor Andrew Mwenge,
Kampala Baptist church:
Parents are a blessing to you.
Honour your father and your
mother... Exodus 20:12.
Accept your parents regardless
of their status, their skills, or
behaviour.
Communicate firmly but
respectfully.
When a parent does not listen to you, find a responsible
adult to help you. Sometimes, you may annoy your parents.
Take responsibility to seek their forgiveness. When a parent
is violent and there is a risk of violence, seek help from other
family members, clan leaders, LCs or Police.
Onek, Kitgum HS
Ed: Try to catch up with your
dad at the right moment.
Oyet D is a student of Kitgum
Comprehensive College:
He says: I appreciate the
brilliant advice I get from my
father. He says there is time
for everything and everything
should be done at the right
time. You can't serve two
masters at a go and excel in
what you are doing."
By Micheal Onek, Kitgum HS
While in Rukungiri, Straight
Talk visited Immaculate Heart
Nyakibale Girls SS, talked to
Akot Sharon, Issoke Memorial,
being interviewed by Kidega
Geoffrey, Kitgum HS during
journalist for a day training.
Straight Talk, Nov/Dec 2010 3 Straight Talk, Nov/Dec 2010 3

Some children
are orphans. They
struggle to look
after themselves and
their siblings. But
this should not stop
you from chasing
your goals.
You can still succeed.
Work hard at school.
Respect people
taking care of you. Do
something to earn a
living without being
exploited.
Aneno P Akena, 17,
Kitgum, says: I live
with my aunt. During
holidays, I sell maize,
and tomatoes. I use
the money to pay
fees, buy books, food
and clothes. Some
men want to use their
money to trap me into
sex. I always refuse."
By K Akwino, S2, 17.
Issoke Memorial, SS,
Kitgum
C Oho, 15, S1,
Kitgum Integrated
College, says: I know
of an orphan who
works as a porter at a
construction site . He
uses the money to pay
his fees. By Mwaka J
20, S5, Kitgum HS
Ayella Martin
Tabo, a counsellor
at Kitgum Youth
Centre says: If you
are an orphan, you do
not need to have sex
to get what you want
as was the case for
this 17 year old boy in
Kitgum: Im an orphan,
I live with my aunt in
Padibe. She doesnt have
money. I work in a bar to
raise fees .I had sex with
a sugar mummy to get
money.
Sex exposes to HIV/
STDs. Learn to make
money in a safer way
Counsellor Ayella I lost
his father when he was
in P6. "I could dig and
lay bricks to raise my
fees and for my siblings.
I studied on an empty
stomach but I didn't
give up. I completed my
studies. I'm now a happy
man because of hard
work.
If you cant raise fees,
make use of free primary
and secondary education.
You can also get help from
NGOs supporting children
in your district."
Talk to a trusted adult
for help. Take care.
A will is a document in which a person states
how to manage and distribute property or
wealth after his or her death.
3ome ohildren suffer after the death of their
parents beoause thev did not leave behind a will.
Grabbed our land
M John, 20, S5, Kitgum HS, says:
Mv father was killed during the Lakwena war.
3ome relatives grabbed our land. l stav with mv mother's
relatives. l grow orops and lav briok with mum to raise monev
for fees and upkeep." ByJ Danish, Kitgum HS
Okello B, 17, S3, Kitgum Integrated College: says:.
l live with mv brothers. 1hev mistreat me .3ometimes, thev
do not give me food. Although our father left some monev on
his aooount for paving mv fees, mv brothers ate it. "
ByS Johnson 16, S3 Boma, Kitgum
Comfort Piwang,a lawver savs: 'A will is a good guiding
dooument. lt oould save vou from suoh troubles. lt states the
heir and how propertv should be managed.
Encourage parents
to write a will
The diary of a young positive
Sonia (Jacky Alesi), 24 has
been sharing her story of
living with HIV in this col-
umn since June 2010. She
learnt that she had HIV in
2008. "I lost hope and saw
the world coming down on
me. I felt like killing myself
and rest in peace. When
I accepted my HIV status,
this changed. I realised that
I had to continue living with
HIV in me.
I started taking ARVs in
2009 when my CD4 was
400. ARVs have kept me
healthy. They have become
part of me.
Am lucky to be getting
ARVs. You see, ARVs that
government can buy are
not enough for all people
DO YOU HAVE
QUESTIONS FOR SONIA?
Send them to PO BOX,
22366, KAMPALA
W
orking to earn m
oney is
not only for Straight talkers
w
ithout parents. You can
m
ake m
oney w
ithout being
exploited. A
re you m
aking m
oney?
Tell us w
hat you are doing
to m
ake m
oney. H
ow
are you
using your m
oney?
W
rite
to

P
O
B
O
X
2
2
3
6
6
,
K
a
m
p
a
la
W
orking to earn m
oney is
Straight talkers
an
Speak out and say what you want and what you
mean. Be honest. Be a good listener and
give others chance to talk. Ask what you
dont understand. Talking is the best way to
communicate. It makes people understand you
better and know what you want.
who should be on ARVs.
Now enough of my story.
Over to your questions:
Naigino Amoya,
Hill View College, Pallisa,
asked: Sonia, did your
parents take you back to
school after the death of
your son and when you
tested HIV positive?
Yes, my parents are still very
supportive and caring.
They took me back to school.
I completed S6 and joined
an institute where I did a
course in Guidance and Coun-
selling.
I have a
girl friend
who is HIV
Positive. I
love her so
much and
I want her
to be my
future wife. Can I marry
her? Isaac, Nyangilia
SS,Koboko
Thank you for admitting
that you love her despite
her HIV status. Since you
want her to be your future
wife discuss your future
plans and whether you
should continue with the re-
lationship. It is important to
prevent HIV infection and
re-infection. If you make a
decision to have sex, use
condoms.
CD4 count is the amount of white
blood cells per cubic millimetre of
blood. It helps doctors know when
to give ARVs to people with HIV.
Normal CD4 is between 500-1500
cells per cubic millimetre of blood.
Speak out
C Piwang
Ayella Martin Tabo
Straight Talk, Nov/Dec 2010
4
This explains
why abortions
are common.
According to
the Guttmacher
Institute study,
there are about
297,000 induced
abortions
performed in
Uganda every
year. This
translates to an
annual abortion
rate of 54 women
out of every 1,000
women aged 15
to 49.
Every year,
6000 females in
Uganda die due to
pregnancy and child birth related
complications. Of these, 32% are
due to induced abortions.
Kitgum District Director of
Health Services, Dr Olwedo
Alex, says: We have lost many
girls to abortion. Our hospitals
have saved a few lives. If you
are not ready to have a baby use
condoms correctly every time
you have sex to avoid unwanted
pregnancy and HIV/STDs.
Kitgum Hospital
Superintendent, Dr Laydo
Alex, says: . About 98% of
people who come here for post
abortion care are students. Five
girls die monthly. Many die from
home. They abort using sticks or
When pregnancy happens:
7DONWRVRPHRQH\RXWUXVW
about the pregnancy.
*RWRWKHKRVSLWDOUHJXODUO\
for check up.
6OHHSXQGHUDWUHDWHG
mosquito net to avoid
malaria
(DWQXWULWLRXVIRRGVOLNH
fruits, vegetables, fish and
milk.
*LYHELUWKIURPDKRVSLWDO
or a big health centre.
You may need an operation
because your body is not
mature .
%R\VLI\RXDUHUHVSRQVLEOH
for the pregnancy, support
your babes.
This is the
time your
girlfriend
needs you
most. Talk to
your parents
about it for
help.
For help, contact:
Naguru
Teenage Centre on:
0414288304/0414288097,
Gulu Youth Centre on:
047432917,
Kitgum Youth Centre on:
0471439680,
Mirembe Pregnancy Crises
Home on: 0414576087 or
a nearby health centre.
If you know a friend who is pregnant
support them to keep the baby
Akello S, S3, Kitgum HS, says:
"I advised a certain girl not to
abort. She took my advice. She
went back to school after giving
birth. Abwol Fiona.
herbs. They come here
with sticks stuck in the
birth canal. Some come
with damaged bleeding
vaginal walls. Some girls
say they have fever. By
the time you discover
that they aborted, it is
too late to save their
lives. Dont rush into
sex. Dont abort. Get
help.
We have youth friendly
family planning services
that can prevent
unwanted pregnancies
and STDs like HIV.
Okwera Richard, HM,
Kitgum Progressive
College, says: Some
of my students have
dropped
out due to
abortion.
This year,
six girls got
pregnant.
During the
journalist
for a day
training in
Kitgum,
young
people
identified
abortion as
the biggest
challenge.
They shared
sad stories of abortion.
Anena L, 15, S3, Kitgum Progressive
College, says: A rich man infected my
friend with HIV and made her pregnant.
She died while aborting. The man was
forced to pay money to the girls parents.
By G Kidega, 1 7, S5, Kitgum HS
S Komakech, 19, S3, Issoke memorial,
Kitgum says: A certain girl died after
being forced to abort by the boyfriends
parents. They said their son was too young
to be a father. By J Abau, Oxfard College,
Kitgum
Richard Obur, 20 Boma ground Kitgum
town: Police arrested a boy who told his
girl to abort. By Danish Jackson KHS
Okot C, 16, Kitgum College, says: " I
had a girlfriend in P7. I invited her to my
place to enjoy the night. One night was
enough for her to get pregnant. I knew the
pregnancy would annoy our parents.
I bought her tablets to abort. She
started bleeding. She narrowly
escaped death. By Akot Sharon,
17, S3, Issoke Memorial College,
Kitgum
Abau Joyce, 17, S4, Oxfard
College, says: My friend is
married but she cannot produce.
Doctors told her that her uterus
was destroyed during abortion. She
will never be able to produce. By
Odong John Bosco, Kitgum HS
Okello B, 17, S3, Kitgum
Integrated College, says:
A student swallowed dry cells to
abort . Her classmates came to know
about it. She left school because of shame.
By Komaketch J, S3
It is safer to
keep the baby
Unwanted pregnancy is one of the biggest challenges faced by young people. When it happens,
you are surprised, confused and scared. You are still a student and unprepared to be a parent.
What would you do if you were in a
relationship and your boyfriend or
girlfriend told you that he or she is HIV
positive?
Dr Laydo Alex
Things don't have to be like this. Change the story of your life.
Go for safe sex. Wait to have sex and work hard at your books.
If you must, use condoms to avoid unwanted pregnancies.
When you are in a relationship, negotiate
for safer sex.
Talk about sex, make good decision and
protect yourselves from HIV/STDs and
unwanted pregnancies.
Modern contraceptive methods like
condoms, pills, injectables, implants
can help prevent a pregnancy. They are
available in all government hospitals free
of charge.
Remember, a girl can become pregnant,
WKHUVWWLPHVKHKDVVH[
EHIRUHVKHVHHVKHUUVWPHQVWUXDWLRQ
period, having sex during menstruation,
or if having sex while standing up or
washes her vagina after sex.
If you are sexually active , use condoms
correctly every time you have sex.
Condoms provide double protection. If
used well, they can protect you from HIV/
STDs and unwanted pregnancy. They are
free of charge in all government health
centres.
Y Muyinda,
Bukonte SS,
Busembatia
Hey dudes! You didn't tell us who you
are and where you are from. You simply
said: Members showing drama about
'Are you happy with your life' to our
neigbouring community school.
Straight talkers, when you right to
sue always include your name, class,
age, school and district. If you send a
picture, write you name behind it.
Abau Joyce,
was one of the
journalist for a day.
Straight Talk, Nov/Dec 2010 5
Getting
a vaginal
discharge is
one of the
experiences
girls get.
Girls and
women
get vaginal
discharge
throughout
their
menstrual
cycle. Even
girls who
have not
begun
menstruating
can have
vaginal
discharge. It
is common
to find wet
or dried
discharge on your underwear.
This discharge may be normal or
abnormal.
Normal Discharge
Normal vaginal discharge:
zIs clear or whitish in colour
zHas a mild smell or no smell
zIt is sticky. It may be there on
some days and not on others
Abnormal discharge
Your vagina is a self-cleaning
and protecting organ. It has
micro-organisms like bacteria
and yeast that naturally live
there. They work together in
balance to protect you from
infection.
Sometimes this balance can
change causing abnormal
discharge. So you may notice:
zExtra discharge
zYellowish, greenish, grayish
vaginal discharge
zA bad smell
zItching
zA rash
zVaginal burning during
urination
Often these imbalances
involve a change in the natural
organisms in the vagina. The
imbalance could be due to
hormonal changes, menstrual
blood, sex, washing inside the
vagina, using soap or other
chemical inside. Poor diet and
some medicines like antibiotics
can also kill the good bacteria in
the vagina.
This allows unwanted yeast and
bacteria to overgrow causing
vaginal infection.
If you have an abnormal
discharge go to a health worker
for help.
Dr. Henry Kakande, Management
Sciences for Health (MSH)
Poem
Sex is a game.
Boys feel the pleasure.
Girls feel the pain.
Boys say
I need you.
Girls say,
Im here for you.
When the tummy
swells, girls cry.
When the boys
hear about it,
they say,
to hell with you.
Ten minutes
of pleasure.
Nine months in pain
Three days in hospital.
Countless days
of suffering
Girls, take care,
Be ready with
your weapon .
Take care.
Alupo Doreen, S3,
Dabani Girls,
Secondary School Busia.
During puberty,
a boy's' body
changes and
starts producing
semen. This fluid
usually contains
sperm. The
release of semen
while asleep
is called a wet
dream.
Last month,
we received 38
letters from you
asking about
wet dreams. A
wet dream is
one way of the
body's way of
releasing excess
sperm.
Do not worry
that wet dreams
will finish
your semen.
Your body will
produce semen
until you are an
old man and
pass away.
Our bodies are
different and
they grow at
different speed.
Some boys
may delay to
experience wet
dreams while
others may start
early.
But some boys
may not get
wet dreams.
This is normal.
It means your
body absorbs the
excess semen.
Only semen,
sperms and
urine should
come out of
your penis. If
blood or puss
comes out of
your penis, there
is something
wrong. See
a doctor
immediately.
The vagina cleans itself with
XLGVWKDWFRPHIURPWKHERG\
Your duty is to clean the outside
'RQRWSXWQJHUVLQVLGH\RXU
vagina. This may hurt you or
cause infection. Use clean water
and bathing soap. You may use
water without soap. Dry yourself
well. Put on clean underwear. A
healthy vagina should not have
sores, feel itchy, and have smelly
discharge.
During puberty wet dream is they grow at
Penile discharge
To be successful, you have to make use of your hands
and have a target in life. Have a target in life. Know what
you want to do and what you want to be in future. This is
having a vision. You have the potential to make good use
of your hands, brain and legs God has given you.
Talk to friends, adults, teachers to discover what you can
do best. Ask anyone who has ever given you money or
anything how you can get those things.
If you are in school, dont think only about making it to
QH[WFODVVEXWQGRXWZK\\RXDUH
in school. Life is not about passing
many levels of education but being
yourself. Put your hands to good
use.
Your body is precious; dont
exchange it with something you can
work for yourself.
Sr Rosemary Abio, Pakele Health
Centre, Adjumani
Make use of your hands
Takali Sharon, S4,
Bukooli College, Bugiri
says: "equip yourselves
with knowledge and
skills to become self
reliant after school.
Cherotich C, Teso College
Aloet,Soroti, says: I learn alot
from reading educative novels.
I avoid ponographic materials.
Beatrice
Bainomugisha,
a counsellor and
teacher, says manage
your changing body
without exposing it to
infections like HIV/
STDs and unwanted
pregnancy. Body
changes do not mean
you should start
having sex.
Read and learn about
your changing body.
The more you inform
your yourself about
your body, the more
you are comfortable
with all body changes
like body growth.
What would you do if you were
in a relationship and your
boyfriend or girlfriend told you
that he or she is HIV positive?
Getting balance to protect you from
Straight Talk, Nov/Dec 2010
6
In Straight Talk March, we
asked you to tell us when you
first had sex and how you felt.
We received 100 letters. Most
of you said that you felt a lot
of pain, got ashamed and you
were scared of getting HIV.
Couldnt walk
Acam J Kobwin Seed SS, Ngora,
says: The first time I had sex, I felt a
lot of pain. I could not walk properly.
I felt like I had a serious wound in my
vagina. I gave up and decided to
concentrate on my studies.
Hell on earth
I first had sex with a classmate. We
did it from the lake. We had gone
camping near Lake Victoria .My
virginity was robbed. I felt hell on
earth. Nubian, Comprehensive
College, Kampala
Smell
I got tired and a bad smell. C
Kukol, Katakwi Technical School
Regret
I did not enjoy .I was scared of
being infected with STDs like HIV. I
regretted . Bonny, 20, S5, St Johns
College Magale, Manafwa
It did it on Sunday after church.
I dont think God will ever forgive
me for that. The girl screamed so
much that we were caught. CCK,
Comprehensive College, Wakiso
I got worried.
I though about
HIV and getting
pregnant.
Nakaya M,
16, S3, St Ann
Vocational SS,
Bugiri
Painful
I cried because of pain and blood
came of my penis. Etiau Sang , 17,
S3, St Stephens SS, Katakwi
It was not good for me. I'm
abstaining until I am mature
enough. Nansubika R, Lugazi
Progressive
I pushed my boyfriend away because
of pain. I swore never to try it again.
Among R, Agwata SS, Dokolo
It was terrible .I bled felt pain.
Mugarura A, Kibatsi Technical
Institute
Scared
I had sex with my best friend during
our farewell party. I got scared. I
thought I had contracted HIV. I
refused to talk to that girl again.
Okello S, Hillyon HS, Soroti
Fell sick
I did not feel any sweetness even
though they say that it feels good if
you do it when it is raining. I instead
fell sick. I started hating sex. Luyima
S Hillside College, Mukono
Did not enjoy
I did not enjoy because I was forced
to break my virginity." Ademun E,
19, S3, Sironko Progressive
My penis got swollen and I felt
terrible pain. Boy, Nalwire
Technical Institute, Busia.

A few of you said it was sweet
I did it on Christmas Day. It was a
sweet and delicious meal God has
ever prepared . Lulonde N,18, S5,
Magale Parents SS,
Manafwa
We had sex for
three hours. It was
enjoyable and
sweeter than honey.
Auma M, 15,
S1, Dabani Girls
School.
Just count youself lucky if you
escaped these outcomes. This
sweetness is short lived!
Think about life damaging outcomes
of early sex such as HIV/STDs, un
wanted pregnancies.
Edith Mukisa, our counsellor,
says the decision to have sex is a
big one.
Once you start sex while still in
school, you enter a new world of
fear and worries. Many of you said
you felt pain and ashamed. This is
because it was not the right time .
Before having sex, think about the
outcomes like pregnancy, HIV/STDs
imprisonment and dropping out
of school. After sex, it will be too
late to think or talk to your partner
about these outcomes.
Abstain from sex. Build a strong
foundation for good sex in future.
Wait until your body is ready and
mature.
If you are not abstaining, use
condoms correctly whenever you
have sex.
If you are being forced to have sex,
talk to an adult you trust to help
you.
Good sex does not transmit
diseases, is not forced, it is after
your studies, when you have
tested for HIV with your partner,
when you are mature and ready to
handle sex outcomes.
I cried. Later on, the boy told
me he was HIV positive. I got
infected with HIV. I regretted.
Girl, Comprehensive
College Kitetikka,
Kampala.
Juuko Nicholas ,Emmanuel
College, Kazo, Kampala, says:
I'm a virgin. I appreciate the work
done by senior teachers and
organizations like Straight Talk.
It has helped students like
me to abstain .I miss a lot of
Straight Talk Information in
my current school."
Sex is meant to serve love
and keep married people
close. The Bible says that
sex outside marriage is sinful.
Nakandi S, Mbulire SSS,
Masaka
Virginity is cool and healthy
Students of Trinity College, Gulu share
knowledge at Gulu Youth Centre. Information
provided by the centre helps us to stay safe.
My first sexual experience
B Kagumba, Kibanda SS, says:
%HSDWLHQWGRUVWWKLQJV
UVW6ZHHWWKLQJVDUHDKHDG
That is where I'm heading to."
Girls, what are those things boys do which you hate or annoy you?
Boys, what are those things girls do which you hate or annoy?
Acam Gladdys,
Ngora HS ,says:
"Dont have sex
just because your
friends are doing
it. Stay away from
bad friends to avoid
problems."
Wait until you are
ready, mature and
after studies
Straight Talk, Nov/Dec 2010 7
As we come to the end of this year we would
like to thank you for being keen readers of
Straight Talk and sharing your views. We
published many quizzes this year. So now
we have responses to the quizzes that had
not been published.
In Straight Talk July, we
asked you to tell us if it is
necessary for you to test
for HIV with your girlfriend
or boyfriend you trust. We
received over 200 letters.
Most of you said it is cool to
test for HIV with your chic
or dude.
It is necessary to test for HIV
because one or both of you
may have HIV and you infect
each other. Namatende
Zainah , Kakungulu HS, Wakiso
It is very important. I tested with my girlfriend. We
both tested negative. She has promised to marry
me. Kiregga James, Mubende
Testing for HIV protects and saves your lives.
Khaijja Ritah, S1, Our lady of Consulate,
Kampala
I went for HIV test with my girlfriend. She was
positive. I was negative. She chucked me and got
another boyfriend. F Bwire, S3, 16, Busia Trust
SS
It is necessary. You never know where your girl
friend or boyfriend passed in his or her life before
you fell in love. B Thembo, S3, Saad SS, Kasese
If anyone of us tests positive, we can be advised
to use condoms to avoid infecting each other and
live longer . Kizito Joseph, S1, Green Vine
College, Kayunga
By knowing your status, you are in position to use
better preventive methods to guard you against
HIV/AIDS and unwanted
pregnancy while in a
relationship. Aisha
Nabiryo, Kakungulu
High School
Testing helps you stay
safe. AIDS is a killer
with no cure. Abstain
D Byansi, Kololo SS,
Kampala
It important to have an
HIV Test. Someone may
have had unprotected
sex before you met her or
him .Mike Kiyimba 20,
S6 Greenvine College,
Kayunga
I trust my boy friend, he trusts me too but we
tested for HIV just to be sure if we are safe. We
are abstaining till we complete studies. Abenayo
Immaculate, 16, S3 Pimbasi SS, Kampala
If you want your partner to trust you, test together.
Sanya Andrew, 16, S3 Lumino community
Polytechnic, Busia
Knowing your status keeps a smile on your face."
Kitgum Integrated College
Some children are born with HIV and they can
be infected even when they are virgins Isabirye
Charles, Standard College, Bugiri
Awuga Robert, St Charles Lwanga SS, Koboko,
says: HIV test helps you to play sex without worry.
Test for HIV so often even if you think your partner
is safe.
It helps you to avoid producing children who have
HIV. Akampumuza Linard Ronald, S1, Crane
Hill SS, Kampala
It is not important to test for HIV. If you are the
person I love and you also love me, I dont need to
know whether you have many women or HIV. To
me what matters is love. Aisha Nambi, 16, S3,
Kakungulu HS, Wakiso
Dear Nambi, true love should not go
beyond your reasoning to the extent
of getting careless for our lives and
those we love. Love doesnt hurt. It is
supposed to be enjoyable. Value each
others life. Even if you are both HIV,
you would need to ensure that you
don't infect each other with another
type of HIV. HIV has different types.
This gives you poor health and unable
to enjoy love. AIDS has no cure. Take care. Answer by
Princess Nuru. She was born with HIV.
In Straight Talk June, we asked
you to tell us what you would
look out for in a partner. We
received 90 letters. Thank
you.
Virginity
A Robert, 17, S3, St James
Otuambari SS, Arua, says:
I prefer a virgin who is God
fearing.
Age, beauty
Nabwire Evelyn,
Nebolola Straight Talk
Club, Busia, says:
I would consider age,
beauty, and family back
ground.
Discipline
Tweety BG, 15, S3, St
James SS, Otuambari,
Arua, says: I would
go for a responsible,
courageous disciplined
person.
God fearing
Okwii Vincent, Lumino HS,
says: I first have to learn her
behaviours, the way she does
work at their home. I prefer
someone who is God fearing.
She should also be obedient to
my parents and her parents.

Edomasia Doreen, St James
SS, Otuambari, Arua, says:
I want someone who is literate,
and respectable.
Faithfulness
Jackie Chan, S5, says:
Faithfulness. I hate cheating.
Such a partner can bring for you
diseases.
Nafula Constance, Daban
Girls SS says: I want to have
safer sex, enjoy it, produce
children and be with a happy
family.
Respect
She should not be older than
me. Has to respect herself and
other people. Thembo B, S3,
Saad SS, Kasese
Ahumura Francis S5,
Rukungiri HS, Be faithful to
God and he will be with you
(John 15:4-5).
The Program
Manager, STDs/
AIDS programme
, Ministry of
Heath,
Dr Akol Zainab
says:
Testing together helps you
to talk about sex, STDs,
HIV/AIDS, seek counseling.
Disclose your status to your
partner and avoid infecting
each other, adopt positive
health practices, get
access to
treatment,
care and
support
if you are
infected.
You can
test from
the nearest hospitals
and centres like AIDS
information Centre,
Mildmay, and Youth
Centres that provide
voluntary counselling and
testing.

Test together,
know together
What I would look out for in a marriage partners
Students of Iganga Girls
SS, say : " Education is
our priority because it is
key to success"
Students from Arua SS say: Abstinence
is the safest protection against HIV
Byansi D, Kololo
Aisha Nabiryo
Straight Talk, Nov/Dec 2010
8
Is it true that using
condoms can cause
cancer? P Okello, Kalaki
SS, Soroti
This is not true. Condoms do
not cause cancer. Condoms are
made of rubber. Some con-
doms have a lubricant, which is
something to help the condom
slide well. These lubricants have
been tested and found to be OK
for use. Condoms are safe, and
will protect you from HIV when
used correctly.
How can I avoid
getting infected if I play
sex with someone who has
HIV? M Baseke, Buswale
SS, Bugiri
Sometimes two people fall in love
and one of them is HIV positive,
and the other is negative. You need
to protect each other. Talk about
this openly. Discuss it with a doc-
tor to guide you. Use condoms
correctly, every time you have sex,
treat any STDs quickly.
Is it true that if you
develop sores in your
vagina it means you are
HIV positive?
Ayot J, Kiryandongo SS
No, it is not true. Wounds in
Prolonged periods
I spend like three weeks in my periods.
Is this a problem? Katusiime
Josephine, Tororo Girls School.
Bleeding for 3 weeks is a sign that
something may not be OK.
,QWKHUVWWZRWRWKUHH\HDUVDIWHUWKH
start of a girls periods they are not
stable. She may miss some months
or they may be longer or heavier
some months more than others.
After one to two years, the periods
are expected to start coming
regularly every month, lasting be-
tween 3 to 7 days. Repeated heavy
or long lasting bleeding decreases your blood levels.
You can get anaemia (low blood levels) and other
problems. Please see a health worker for advice.
Dr. Paul Semugoma, International Hospital Kampala (IHK)
Science Corner
Stf
Dear
Send letters to:
P. O. Box 22366
KAMPALA
the vagina may come due
to other STDs, and infec-
tions, itching and scratching
of the vagina, candida which
is a fungus in the vagina
and others. A person who is
HIV positive and one who is
HIV negative can get these
wounds. Only an HIV test can
tell us if someone has HIV.
If I kiss the penis of a boy
while ejaculating will I get
STDs or a pregnant?
W Shakamo, Lwakhakha
SS, Manafwa
You will not get pregnant. You
can get infected with Sexually
Transmitted Diseases (STDs)
in the mouth and throat. For
example, gonorrhoea of the
throat, herpes of the lips and
syphilis. You can also get HIV
if you have wounds in the
mouth. You can get an STD
even if the boyfriend does not
ejaculate into the mouth. Take
care of your life.
Why do some girls have
big breasts? Mayanja A,
Bubandi SS, Bundibugyo
Breasts develop as a girl goes
through puberty. The size
depends on genes (from her
parents). The breast size will
Students of Agape Day and Boarding
SS pose for a photo at their school
in Lira town.
Live a healthy postive life
Publisher: Straight Talk Foundation
4 Acacia Avenue, Kololo, P O Box 22366, Kampala, Tel: (031) 262030/1, Fax: 534858, E-mail: info@straighttalkfoundation-
org, President: Cathy Watson Executive Director: Susan Ajok;
Print Director: Teopista Agutu, Editorial Manager: Martha Akello,
Editors: J. Abongowath, P. Kiwuuwa, F. Ouma, J. Nafula and A. Nanyonjo;
Chief Designer: M. Kalanzi, Designers: GB. Mukasa, Allan B. Dentine
Printer: The New Vision. Straight Talk is funded by DANIDA, DFiD & SIDA.
Every year 25,000 children
in Uganda are born with
HIV. Some of these
children study and
live with us. Some of
them are already
teenagers. If you
ar e living with HIV or
know someone,
Saul Walugember, a
peer counselor with
Straight Talk says live
positively.
This means learning
to cope with HIV. If
you test positive, ac-
cept the situation. Talk
to adults to help you
learn to live with HIV
and where to get care
and treatment.
Take your medicine
(ARVs) everyday
as advised by a doctor. Identify
someone who can remind you to
take your drugs.
Dont get misled on the role of
ARVs.
DC, is a boy form Gulu. He says:
My girlfriend and I have HIV.
Im on treatment, but she is not on
treatment. Her friend said, ARVs kill
people.
This is not true. ARVs help people
living with HIV live longer.
Remember to protect yourselves
from re-infection. ARVs do not cure
HIV but help you stay healthy and
not to fall sick so often. David Kizito,
is a peer counsellor, Straight Talk
ARVs are available in all
government hospitals and
health Centre IV.
Abstinence helps us
not to worry about
pregnancy and STDs
Visit our site: www.straightalkfoundation.org
still be different because people
are different and have different
sizes anyway. Some people have
small breasts and others have
big breasts. This is normal. Girls
breasts also change during preg-
nancy and become bigger.
Counsellor:
Dr P Semugoma, IHK
Advise BD, 17, S3, Kyamukanda SS, Rukungiri: I am almost
depressed. My aunt caught me fooling with her daughter. She was so
disappointed and chased me from her home. I have no where to go.
CIVIL SOCIETY FUND
Strengthening civil societies for improved
HIV & AIDS and OVC service delivery in Uganda
In August, CB of Rukaka Peer
Club, Busia, said: One day,
my stylish chic visited me un-
expectedly and demanded for
sex. I was not prepared, she hit
me with romance. What can I
do to satisfy her without sex?
Eight of you gave CB
brilliant advice. You all win
pens. Published letters below
win T-shirts.
Alowo Lucy, Howard
Christian HS, Busia
says: My brother faced
a similar problem. He told
the girl about a neighbour's
daughter who rushed to
have sex, got pregnant and
died while giving birth.
She should respect your
decision.
Anifa S, Comboni Com-
prehensive College,
Adjumani, says:
Be in charge of your life.
Tell her sex should wait. If
she insists, leave her.
Obuya Constantine, S4,
and Kaliro HS, says:
May be she was sent by
someone so that you can be
arrested when you have sex
with her.
Majumbuka Akulia,
Arua Public School,
says: This is the right time
to plan for your future. It can
easily be destroyed by early
sex.

Ezati John, Metu SS,
Moyo, says: Sex will
expose you to HIV and make
her pregnant. Use romantic
words to make her happy.