Kasese Faces Rising Teenage Pregnancy and Early Marriage Issues

In Kasese District, known for its beautiful scenery and agriculture, there is a serious problem affecting young girls. In rural areas like Kyalhumba, Bwesumbu, Munkunyu, and Maliba, many girls aged 12 to 17 are dropping out of school due to teenage pregnancies and early marriages.

Cultural traditions and financial struggles push families to marry off their daughters young, thinking it might help them financially or reduce the burden of large families.

A 2022 survey by Save the Children showed shocking numbers: some sub-counties have rates of teenage pregnancies as high as 58%. “These findings are really concerning,” said Kevin Mubuke, head of child protection at Save the Children. “We must come together to protect our children.”

The survey pointed out that gender-based violence and lack of reproductive health education are major causes of these pregnancies. Many girls face risks due to poverty and are left vulnerable. “In these communities, young girls are often seen as objects,” said a local leader. “Once a girl is pregnant, she is usually married off, no matter how young she is.”

The effects of early pregnancy go beyond health issues. Mubuke noted that over 54.6% of children born to teenage mothers are at risk of stunting because their young mothers struggle to provide proper care. Many young mothers are abandoned by their partners and left to take care of their babies alone. “These girls lose their chance at education and a childhood, which is a violation of their rights,” Mubuke added.

Queen Agnes Ithungo of the Rwenzururu Kingdom has vowed to fight against this harmful practice. “On behalf of the Rwenzururu Kingdom, I promise to stand against this tradition,” she said. “Together, we will protect our daughters and ensure they have the opportunities to grow and succeed.”

Local and international organizations, like Save the Children and Reach a Hand Uganda, are working hard to change this trend. They are educating families about the importance of keeping girls in school and delaying marriage. However, change is slow.

“Changing views on gender roles is one of our biggest challenges,” said Florence Kabugho, Woman MP for Kasese District. “In many communities, educating girls is still seen as less important than domestic duties.” She also criticized how authorities often fail to act when cases of gender-based violence or early marriages are reported. “Many of these cases are settled within families or never reach the police,” she said. “We need accountability for real change.”

Despite the challenges, there are positive signs. Local initiatives, such as community discussions with parents, teachers, and religious leaders, along with vocational training and scholarships for girls, are starting to make a difference. These efforts aim to give families better options than early marriage.

The Ugandan government has promised to increase efforts to combat teenage pregnancies. District leaders in Kasese are working to provide more resources for sexual and reproductive health education, but they recognize that much more needs to be done.

“This crisis won’t be solved quickly,” said Monday Girivazio, vice chairperson of Kasese District. “But with ongoing effort and community support, we can create a future where girls are not forced into early motherhood and can finish their education and achieve their dreams.”

The Save the Children report highlights the urgent need for action; without it, teenage pregnancies and early marriages will continue to hold back future generations, not just in Kasese but throughout Uganda.