More teenage pregnancies reported in Budaka

Education authorities are worried about the increasing rate of teenage pregnancies in Budaka district.

This is after 17 pupils at Nasanga Primary school, Nasanga sub-county
in Budaka District were found to be pregnant in a period of just one month.

Presenting the Education sector report from assessment and monitoring in various schools, Sam Nayepe, a Councilor representing Mugiti sub-county has blamed on parents for not doing enough to protect their children.

Sowali Kamulya, the Bukedi police spokesperson says 2 to 3 cases of defilement are reported daily in Budaka but the complainants quickly disappear as the parties secretly opt for negotiation and eventually the victims are forcefully married off.

Uganda has one of the highest rates of teenage pregnancy in Sub-Saharan Africa at over 25% implying that at least one in every 10pregnant women is fewer than 18.

A UNICEF report indicates that child marriages is highest in Northern Uganda at 59%, Western region is at 58% while Eastern and East central regions are at 52%.

West Nile is 50%, South West at 37% and Kampala has the lowest figure of 21%.

Written by David Kugonza