Youths speak up on the rising rates of teenage pregnancies

By: Zawedde Patricia

Youth leaders in Northern parts of Uganda demand school reopening as a measure to reduce the looming teenage pregnancy.

This happened at the regional youth council meeting hosted by Gulu City on 30th August 2021 at Gulu Secondary School’s main hall. The council comprised of youth leaders from Acoli and West Nile regions.

The leaders raised concern over increasing rates of teenage pregnancies and child marriage as a result of Learners staying away from school for a long time. Guiding the Council, Mr. Jacob Eyeru the Chairperson of the National Youth Council tasked the leaders to clearly explain the link between School and early pregnancies.

Hon Adong Colline Okidi, the female Affairs of Agago District Youth Council expressed that children are best mentored when in school because of easy follow-up. In the same spirit, her colleague Hon. Apiyo Monica Prudence of Gulu City Youth Council also blamed these cases for the increased reactance of the Government to treat schools as a vital part of children’s growth.

Hon. Nyamutoro Phiona, the National Youth Female Member of Parliament as well added her voice for the government to open up schools as measures are put in place to vaccinate the population.

The Council ended with the adoption of this motion as youth voice on curbing down the rise in teenage pregnancies.