False Beliefs and Male Resistance Drive Low Contraceptive Uptake in Busoga

In the Busoga sub-region, low uptake of family planning services continues to expose women to unplanned pregnancies and large family sizes. Deeply rooted misconceptions and limited male involvement remain the primary barriers preventing couples from embracing modern contraceptives.

Take, for instance, 29-year-old Rose Naigaga from Bulalu Village in Luuka District. Having dropped out of school in Senior Two due to an unintended pregnancy, she is now raising seven children. Despite her desire to have fewer children, Naigaga avoids modern contraceptives because of widespread rumors claiming that the methods cause prolonged bleeding and permanent infertility.

Health advocates note that Naigaga’s fears are shared by many women across the region. Traditional norms, gender inequality, and poor communication between partners further complicate the situation. In many households, men dictate reproductive choices without fully understanding the health and economic benefits of birth control.

While community health workers and village health teams (VHTs) are working hard to bridge the information gap, misinformation continues to circulate freely. Experts emphasize that addressing the unmet need for family planning in Busoga will require intensive community sensitization targeting both men and women to dispel dangerous myths and encourage shared decision-making.

Read the original story on the Daily Monitor.