Kyabazinga Urges Busoga Leaders to Unite Against Teenage Pregnancy and School Dropouts

The Kyabazinga of Busoga, William Nadiope Gabula IV, has called upon local government leaders, security officials, and development partners to join forces in addressing high rates of teenage pregnancy, school dropouts, and widespread poverty across the sub-region.

Speaking at Igenge Palace in Jinja during a high-level stakeholder meeting, the monarch urged officials to take collective responsibility for reversing the socio-economic challenges hindering regional development. The gathering marked the launch of the Busoga Regional Multisectoral Framework 2026–2030, a strategic plan focused on improving reproductive health services, boosting household incomes, ending gender-based violence, and keeping children in school.

Presenting alarming statistics during the event, Kyabazinga Initiative Programme Director James Mukwaya noted that monetary poverty in Busoga stands at 18.9 percent, while the region’s teenage pregnancy rate has climbed to 28.4 percent, surpassing the national average of 24.5 percent. Additionally, youth unemployment has reached 60.9 percent, driven by factors such as parental negligence, poverty, and weak local leadership.

Stakeholders including the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) and the National Planning Authority praised the framework while emphasizing the need for unified, coordinated efforts. UNFPA Programme Coordinator Laura Lafuente Criado urged district leaders to translate commitments into local ordinances, allocate adequate budgets, and ensure that abusers face justice.

Highlighting positive developments, Kyabazinga Initiative Executive Director Yudaya Babirye shared that proactive local leadership in Kamuli District has helped reduce teenage pregnancies from 28 percent to 19 percent. Furthermore, the organization has equipped 40,000 young people with practical vocational skills over the past two years to foster financial independence.

Reaffirming the commitment of security agencies, Kiira Regional Police Commander Charles Nsaba assured leaders that law enforcement would strictly enforce child protection laws and hold perpetrators accountable.

Read more details on the Daily Monitor source.