By Tumusiime Jerad
Local leaders in Kasese District are sounding the alarm over the alarming rise in teenage pregnancies, particularly among school-going girls. The concerns were raised during a visit by His Majesty Wesley Charles Mumbere and his wife, Her Highness Agnes Ithungu, to Busongora North County.
The issue is causing young girls to drop out of school, threatening their future prospects. His Majesty Wesley Charles Mumbere urged young girls to stay in school and complete their education rather than carrying unnecessary pregnancies. He also emphasized the importance of education and thanked the President of Uganda for offering scholarships to Rwenzoruru subjects.
The Rwenzoruru Kingdom Queen, Her Highness Agnes Ithungu, warned young girls to protect their health and avoid giving out their bodies to men. She emphasized the need for young girls to secure their future and receive the opportunities they deserve to grow and thrive.
Kasese district members of parliament attributed the rise in teenage pregnancies to poor parenting and high school dropout rates. They criticized parents for failing to guide their children and allowing them to engage in risky behaviors. The MPs emphasized the need for serious sensitization among young girls and boys.
Statistics indicate that one in four girls aged 15-19 years in Uganda have had a child or are pregnant. However, many girls avoid health facilities due to stigma and fear, opting for traditional birth attendants, which increases the risk of complications.
In Kasese alone, over 7,000 cases of teenage pregnancies were reported in 2022, with Nyamwamba Division in Kasese Municipality registering over 1,500 cases. The district has one of the highest rates of teenage pregnancies in the country, with 12 girls becoming pregnant every day.
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