Kyabazinga calls for united effort to combat teenage pregnancies in Busoga
The Kyabazinga emphasised the need for unity among leaders across all structures within the kingdom to address this pressing issue and improve the quality of life for the Basoga people.
The Kyabazinga of Busoga, William Gabula Nadiope, has called on leaders in the Busoga sub-region to prioritise tackling teenage pregnancies, a problem that has plagued the area for years.
The Kyabazinga emphasised the need for unity among leaders across all structures within the kingdom to address this pressing issue and improve the quality of life for the Basoga people.
“Statistics released by various organisations under the United Nations show that the Busoga region has the highest rate of teenage pregnancies,” the Kyabazinga said.
“I implore leaders across various structures within the Busoga Kingdom to prioritize combating teenage pregnancies, thereby reducing this issue in the sub-region," he added in a statement.
The monarch further highlighted his recent appointment as an ambassador for UNAIDS in the fight against teenage pregnancies and HIV/AIDS, signaling a renewed commitment to addressing the region's health and social challenges.
The Kyabazinga urged leaders to enhance service delivery and collaborate on efforts aimed at reducing the prevalence of these vices.
“Through unity, I urge our leaders to concentrate on enhancing service delivery and improving the quality of life for the Basoga,” he added.
The Busoga sub-region has consistently recorded alarming teenage pregnancy rates, which have been attributed to poverty, limited access to education, and inadequate reproductive health services.
According to a 2022 report by the Uganda Bureau of Statistics, teenage pregnancies account for 25% of all pregnancies in the region, making it one of the highest in the country.
The Kyabazinga’s appeal comes as stakeholders in the region seek to implement targeted interventions, including community sensitization, improved healthcare services, and stricter measures to curb child marriages.
With the Kyabazinga taking a lead role, the focus is now on rallying leaders and development partners to work collectively to safeguard the future of the Basoga youth.
