Residents of Kimwanyi Zone in Katanga, Wandegeya Parish, Kampala Central Division, say poverty and inadequate parental guidance are among the major factors driving the high number of teenage pregnancies in the area, leaving many young girls to become single mothers.
The community, which faces numerous social and economic challenges, continues to struggle with insecurity, poor sanitation and widespread youth unemployment.
The residents say these problems have contributed to an increase in girls under the age of 18 engaging in sexual relationships that often result in early pregnancies.
Some of the teenage mothers blamed parental neglect, saying they were never properly guided on sexual health and reproductive risks.
“Our parents never sat us down to explain the risks of engaging in sexual relationships or how to avoid pregnancy,” one teenage mother said.
The young mothers also noted that many of the men who father their children are unemployed and unable to provide financial support, forcing them to raise their children alone.
Chairperson of women in Kimwanyi Zone, Doreen Nanzibe, said community leaders have made efforts to sensitise young people about the dangers of early pregnancy, but many fail to heed the advice.
“We continue to educate children on what they should do to avoid early pregnancies, but some of them do not take the guidance seriously,” Nanzibe said.
She added that unemployed young men are among those contributing most to the problem.
“Most of those responsible for impregnating these girls are unemployed young men who lack the means to support them or their children,” she said.
In response to the growing challenge, May Rays of Hope Foundation has stepped in to support vulnerable girls by promoting education, providing scholastic materials and supplying menstrual hygiene products.
Representatives of the organisation said they have also learned that some girls resort to using unsafe materials, including pieces of cloth and other improvised items, during menstruation because they cannot afford sanitary pads.
“We hope the situation can change if girls receive the right education and support at an early stage,” a representative of the foundation said.
Community leaders and development partners say increased awareness, improved parental involvement and stronger educational support are key to reducing teenage pregnancies and improving the future of girls in Kimwanyi Zone.
