Education and community leaders have sounded the alarm over the persistent rise in child marriage and teenage pregnancy cases across Uganda, cautioning that the country continues to bear significant social and economic costs due to failure to address the underlying causes of the crisis.
Speaking during the Girls Not Brides Uganda (GNBU) Central Region Girl Summit, held last week at Central Girls Vocational School in Masunkwe Village, Zirobwe, Luweero District, stakeholders expressed concern that despite numerous interventions, many girls—especially in rural communities—continue to drop out of school due to stigma, poverty, and inadequate support systems.
The Luweero District Probation Officer, Martha Botono, acknowledged some progress but emphasized that teenage pregnancy rates remain “unacceptably high.”
“Efforts have been made to address the barriers girls face, but the rates of teenage pregnancy are still high. We need collective action to change this narrative,” Botono said.
She further called on parents to take greater responsibility in nurturing and guiding their children.
“Parents and guardians must embrace parenting and be involved in their children’s wellbeing right from childhood until they are grown,” she added.
A youth panel drawn from Anthill Foundation Uganda, Concern for the Girl Child, The Remnant Generation, and CDI Luweero echoed the need for stronger community support structures to assist girls affected by child marriage and early pregnancy. They highlighted gaps in psychosocial support, access to justice, and livelihood opportunities for vulnerable girls.
The team lead at Central Girls Vocational School, Elizabeth Laiba Kalemera, stressed the far-reaching consequences of inaction.
“There is a huge cost for inaction that harms the economy and society at large. When a girl drops out of school, the community loses a potential leader, worker, and mother who could have contributed meaningfully to development,” she said.
Young mothers and girls attending the summit urged government and education institutions to expand second-chance learning opportunities, support re-entry programmes, and create inclusive, gender-responsive learning environments where young mothers can continue their education without discrimination.
The guest of honour from the Ministry of Education and Sports, Elijah Katende, commended the Central Girls Vocational School for its exemplary model in reintegrating young mothers through vocational training, childcare support, and personal development programmes.
“We must all work together to expand education opportunities for girls and young women across the nation. Men, too, should take responsibility in protecting girls and keeping them safe,” he said.
At the conclusion of the summit, over 450 stakeholders—including representatives from schools, government bodies, and civil society organisations reaffirmed their commitment to promoting re-entry, advancing gender equity, and improving education opportunities for girls and young women in Uganda.
They emphasised that providing girls with a second chance at education remains one of the most powerful strategies to combat poverty and spur national development.
The Girls Not Brides Uganda Central Region Girl Summit was hosted by the Anthill Foundation Uganda and organised by Touch the Heart Uganda, a member of Girls Not Brides Uganda, in collaboration with numerous partner organisations.
The event attracted participants from diverse institutions and civil society organisations, including CEDOVIP, CRVPF, Trailblazers Mentoring Foundation, Raising Teenagers Uganda, High Sound for Children, Rhythm of Life, Just Like My Child, Concern for the Girl Child, and the Rotary Club of Kasangati.