Budaka district has been cited as a dark spot for teenage pregnancies after registering 932 teen pregnancies in only 4 out of 20 sub-counties across the district.
These shocking revelations that have left leaders mesmerized were unearthed during a mini-survey dubbed Data Quality Audit conducted by reproductive health Uganda after visiting health facilities in the 4 sub-counties of Kamonkoli, Budaka town council, Kaderuna and iki iki.
According to the survey out of 4,693 pregnancies recorded between the month of June, July and August it was discovered that 932 girls between 13-17 years are pregnant.
22 teenage abortions were recorded and were undergoing treatment.
While presenting the findings during a district stakeholder meeting at the district headquarters, over the weekend, Mr. Silas Gogo the coordinator Wish 2 action project Bukedi cluster, and Dr. Simon Peter Lugolobi noted that the survey covered GBV, mother's seeking for Anti natal care services, abortions but teenage pregnancies took the lead.
DHO Budaka Erisa Mulwani confirmed the findings of the survey but stressed that the district is financially handcuffed though there plans to start massive sensitization of parents and encouraging sexually active adolescents to embrace family planning services.
He said each facility should have a youth-friendly corner.
Samuel Mulomi the district chairperson said the figure might be higher than 932.
He attributed the vice to acute poverty levels and family value break down, where parents have abdicated their roles.
"I don't want to link this to the lockdown and closure of schools but parents’ negligence"
Pamela Kamugo the Budaka district woman representative, says men with loose zips who are perpetrators must be “arrested and castrated.”