By Eumu Emmanuel
Parents in Kaberamaido District have been strongly criticized for their negligence contributing to the alarming rise in teenage pregnancies within the region. Henry Damba, the Chief Administrative Officer of Kaberamaido District Local Government, revealed that the district ranks third in the entire Teso sub-region, with a staggering 1,300 registered cases of teenage pregnancies annually among girls aged 12 to 17.
Mr. Damba made these remarks during the belated International Women’s Day celebration held at the Esingu Ground in Kaberamaido District. He attributed the surge in teenage pregnancies to the repercussions of the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly the closure of schools and parental neglect.
“Parents have failed in their duty to monitor and support their children, especially during the lockdown period. The lack of supervision and guidance has exposed our school-going children to various risks,” Mr. Damba emphasized.
He urged parents, elders, and cultural leaders to fulfill their responsibilities effectively, as the behavior of teenagers often reflects the environment at home. Mr. Damba highlighted instances where elderly members of the community engage in inappropriate interactions with teenagers, leading them astray.
To address the issue, Kaberamaido District has established free spaces within health facilities to provide teenagers with access to healthcare services and counseling. This initiative aims to create a safe environment for teenagers to seek assistance and guidance.
Lino Lotem, the Residents District Commissioner of Kaberamaido, echoed concerns about the nationwide increase in teenage pregnancies. He referenced a motion passed by the Parliament of Uganda in 2021, urging the government to prioritize interventions to combat teenage pregnancies, child marriages, and trafficking.
“Parents must seize the opportunity to educate their children about the dangers of teenage pregnancies and engage in open discussions,” Lotem stressed.
Sarah Opendi, the Woman Member of Parliament for Tororo, emphasized the exacerbation of existing challenges faced by girls due to the COVID-19 pandemic. She highlighted issues such as trafficking, child marriages, poor menstrual hygiene, and gender-based violence as urgent concerns requiring immediate attention.
The call to action from local authorities and parliamentarians underscores the pressing need for collective efforts to address the root causes of teenage pregnancies and safeguard the well-being of adolescent girls in Uganda.