By Jamila Kemigisa
Bunyangabu District is confronting a disturbing trend of increasing teenage pregnancies, particularly among girls under the age of 19, which is putting their health, education, and futures at significant risk. The district has witnessed a rise in the number of teenage girls seeking antenatal care, with 17% of girls across the district currently attending these services.
Dr. Obet Richard, the District Health Officer, highlighted the severity of the situation, noting that certain subcounties are particularly affected. Kyamukube Town Council leads with 17% of girls reporting pregnancies, followed by Kibiito Town Council at 12%, Nyakigumba at 9%, and Kisomoro with the lowest at 1.2%. These figures reflect an alarming trend where many young girls, who should be focusing on their education, are instead becoming mothers before they even reach adulthood.
The health risks associated with early pregnancies are of grave concern. Teenage mothers are more likely to experience complications during childbirth, with higher rates of maternal and infant mortality. Dr. Richard also pointed out that, under Ugandan law, any sexual activity involving a girl under the age of 18 constitutes defilement, stressing that these young girls are victims of abuse and exploitation.
The rise in teenage pregnancies in Bunyangabu is not a new issue but one that has been persistent over the years. Contributing factors include poverty, insufficient sexual education, peer pressure, and deeply rooted cultural norms that sometimes support early marriages. Despite ongoing efforts from both the government and non-governmental organizations to address this crisis—such as youth empowerment programs and community sensitization campaigns—the situation continues to worsen.
Dr. Richard called for stricter parenting measures, urging parents to be more vigilant in protecting their daughters, especially by preventing them from attending risky events like night discos. He also appealed to men in the community to take responsibility and avoid exploiting young girls. The need for a collective effort is crucial in tackling this crisis, which requires the active participation of parents, schools, community leaders, and local authorities.
Early pregnancies is a problem for entire country. According to the Uganda Demographic and Health Survey (UDHS), the country has one of the highest rates of teenage pregnancies in Sub-Saharan Africa. Despite various national and local efforts to combat the issue, a large number of girls still experience early pregnancies, often leading to school dropouts, early marriages, and increased maternal and infant health risks.
Several factors contribute to early pregnancies in Uganda, including limited access to sexual and reproductive health education, poverty, cultural norms, peer pressure, and gender-based violence. In many rural areas, traditional practices, such as early marriages, continue to perpetuate the cycle of early pregnancy.
