Stakeholders Blame Religious Leaders for Sabotaging Anti-Teenage Pregnancy Campaigns.

Stakeholders Blame Religious Leaders for Sabotaging Anti-Teenage Pregnancy Campaigns by Editor.
Kabale, Uganda– Stakeholders from civil society organizations, politicians, and the medical fraternity have criticized religious leaders for undermining campaigns aimed at reducing the high rate of teenage pregnancies in Uganda. This criticism was voiced during the Kigezi Regional Dialogue on Sexual Reproductive Health Rights, organized by the Non-Governmental Organization, Local Sustainable Communities (LOSCO), at White Horse Inn, Kabale.

During the dialogue, Dr. Gilbert Mateeka, the Kabale District Health Officer (DHO), reported that the national teenage pregnancy rate has remained between 23% and 24% over the past 3-4 years. Kabale District alone records an average of 1,300 teenage pregnancies annually. Dr. Mateeka highlighted that many of these girls drop out of school to become mothers, with some dying during childbirth or from unsafe abortions.

Dr. Mateeka stressed that while government officials and religious leaders focus on legal and moral concerns, health service providers face the brunt of the consequences, dealing with miscarriages, abortions, and complications during childbirth.

Ms. Florence Tumuheirwe, Executive Director of Kigezi Women in Development (KWID), noted that human rights activists have received threats from the public, including religious leaders, for advocating sexuality education and family planning methods to curb teenage pregnancies.

Albert Taremwa, Executive Director of LOSCO, expressed disappointment at Deputy Speaker of Parliament Thomas Tayebwa for opposing a government policy on contraceptive use among sexually active teenagers.

Sam Arinaitwe, LC.3 Chairperson of Central Division in Kabale Municipality, stated that politicians have avoided supporting family planning and sexuality education due to fear of religious leaders' opposition.

Dr. Godfrey Bampabwiire, In-Charge of Muko Health Centre IV in Rubanda District, shared that he had performed cesarean sections on three girls who gave birth before their first menstrual periods in just seven months. He urged that teenage pregnancies be viewed not only as cultural, legal, or moral issues but also as threats to the lives and futures of the teenagers involved.

SP Ronald Mutungi, Kigezi Regional Police Legal and Human Rights Officer, encouraged CSOs to continue promoting measures to reduce teenage pregnancies despite interference from religious and cultural leaders. He cited his experience in combating Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) in Sipi Region before his transfer to Kigezi.

Martin Niwataho, Kabale District Assistant RDC, opposed the use of contraceptives for young girls due to potential future health complications such as infertility but supported condom use as a safe alternative.

Drake Mutahakana, Diocese of Kigezi Secretary for Education, and Sheikh Abdul Hasib Sekalema, head of Sharia at Kabale Muslim District Council, insisted that promoting condom or contraceptive use would only encourage immorality among teenagers. They advocated prioritizing messages of abstinence to reduce teenage pregnancies.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Celebrating the Life and Legacy of Apollo Nyegamehe (Aponye) By Davis Owomugisha, Kampala Uganda

Image
 Celebrating the Life and Legacy of Apollo Nyegamehe (Aponye) Today marks one year since we lost a remarkable man, Apollo Nyegamehe, fondly known as Aponye. It is often said that it is good to appreciate the good things people do while they are still alive. Aponye was a man who exemplified this belief, leaving a legacy that continues to inspire and uplift us all. Aponye was not just a man of wealth and business empires; he was a down-to-earth individual who mingled effortlessly with people from all walks of life. Despite his immense success, he remained humble and approachable, especially to the young people. His ability to connect with us and offer wise counsel on managing challenges and uprooting unemployment through business creation was truly remarkable. In loving memory of Aponye, we, his family and the larger community, gather to celebrate his life both physically and in spirit. His presence continues to dwell among us, a testament to the love, care, kindness, gen...
Read more

Ahumuza Patricia Crowned Miss Tourism Kigezi 2024 by Editor.

Image
Ahumuza Patricia Crowned Miss Tourism Kigezi 2024 In a dazzling event that highlighted the region's beauty, culture, and heritage, Ahumuza Patricia, a 20-year-old student from Rukiga District, was crowned Miss Tourism Kigezi 2024. Patricia, who is currently studying Literature in English at Makerere University, emerged victorious among a competitive field of contestants, showcasing her poise, intelligence, and deep commitment to promoting tourism in Kigezi. The Miss Tourism Kigezi pageant is a prestigious event that aims to celebrate and promote the unique cultural and natural attractions of the Kigezi region. The pageant, held annually, draws participants from various districts within the region, all vying for the coveted title. This year’s event was no exception, featuring vibrant performances, traditional displays, and an enthusiastic audience that gathered to witness the crowning of the new queen. Ahumuza Patricia succeeds Pauline Ampeire from Kabale, wh...
Read more

Balancing Conservation and Survival: Protecting Kigezi's Wetlands Without Displacing Its People.

Image
Protecting Wetlands and Communities: A Balanced Approach for Kigezi,By Davis Owomugisha Kanzikwera. Recently, the president directed the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) to remove all individuals encroaching on wetlands. This directive aims to protect Uganda's valuable wetland ecosystems from further degradation. However, for the people of Kigezi, who heavily depend on these wetlands for their livelihood, this presents a complex challenge. Understanding the crucial role wetlands play in their lives is essential to crafting a solution that balances environmental conservation with community needs. In Kigezi, wetlands are more than just natural resources; they are lifelines. These areas provide fertile soil, rich in nutrients, which supports the cultivation of various crops such as rice, yams, and vegetables. For many families, farming in wetlands is not a choice but a necessity, as the land's fertility ensures food security and a stable income. Additio...
Read more