The Kyabazinga of Busoga, His Majesty William Gabula Nadiope IV, has issued a heartfelt and urgent appeal to schools, communities, and local leaders across the Busoga sub-region to join forces in the fight against teenage pregnancies. In a series of emotional letters addressed directly to young people, the Kyabazinga has framed the issue as not just a health crisis, but a pressing threat to the region’s social fabric, economic future, and the aspirations of its youth.
A Royal Call to Prioritize Education and Resilience
In his letters, delivered to schools and educational institutions throughout Busoga, the Kyabazinga writes as both a monarch and a father figure. “Today, I write to you not just as your Kyabazinga, but as your loving father who sees in each of you a shining star, a dream, a future, a hope, and the strength of Busoga in every sacrifice,” he states. His message is clear: young people must prioritize education and resist societal pressures that can lead to early pregnancy and dropping out of school. The Kyabazinga’s initiative is not only about raising awareness but also about instilling a sense of self-worth and purpose among the youth.
Addressing the Root Causes of Teenage Pregnancy
The campaign spearheaded by the Kyabazinga goes beyond rhetoric. It seeks to address the underlying factors that contribute to teenage pregnancies, including poverty, lack of access to comprehensive reproductive health education, and insufficient parental guidance. The Busoga region, according to recent data, has some of the highest rates of teenage pregnancies and child marriages in Uganda. Over the past three years, more than 130,000 girls aged 15 to 19 in Busoga have become pregnant, with Kamuli and Mayuge districts recording the highest numbers.
A Multi-Stakeholder Approach
Recognizing the complexity of the issue, the Kyabazinga has rallied support from a broad coalition of stakeholders. United Nations agencies—including UNAIDS, UNFPA, UNICEF, and WHO—have pledged their backing to the campaign, offering expertise, resources, and strategic planning support. The initiative, dubbed “Abasaadha Ne Mpango” (Men Are the Pillars), places special emphasis on engaging men and boys as agents of change within their families and communities. By targeting cultural norms and encouraging men to take up responsible roles, the campaign aims to foster behavioral change and reduce the incidence of early pregnancies.
Community leaders, teachers, parents, and local organizations are also being mobilized to play active roles. The Kyabazinga’s efforts are supported by the Kingdom’s structures, from the Chiefs’ Royal Council to clan heads, ensuring that the message reaches the grassroots. The campaign includes sensitization programs, media outreach, and targeted interventions aimed at both in-school and out-of-school youth.
Empowering Young People for a Brighter Future
The Kyabazinga’s initiative is not just about preventing teenage pregnancies; it is about empowering young people to make informed decisions about their futures. By providing access to reproductive health education, mentorship, and support networks, the campaign seeks to equip adolescents with the knowledge and skills they need to navigate the challenges of adolescence. The involvement of schools is particularly crucial, as they serve as safe spaces where young people can learn, grow, and access essential services.
A Vision for Sustainable Change
The Kyabazinga’s leadership in this campaign is seen as a turning point for Busoga. By leveraging his influence and the support of international partners, he is setting an example for other regions to follow. The campaign’s goals are ambitious: to reduce the rate of teenage pregnancies in Busoga from 28% to at least 19% within five years. While progress has been slow in the past, there is renewed hope that the combined efforts of schools, communities, and cultural leaders will drive meaningful and lasting change.
Conclusion
The Kyabazinga’s call to action is a powerful reminder of the collective responsibility we all share in safeguarding the futures of young people. By uniting schools, communities, and leaders in a common cause, Busoga is taking bold steps toward breaking the cycle of teenage pregnancies and building a brighter, more prosperous future for its youth.