Scaling Up the Reduction of Teenage Pregnancies among Vulnerable Girls

Scaling Up the Reduction of Teenage Pregnancies among Vulnerable Girls

February 27, 2025    By UWONET   

Uganda Women’s Network (UWONET)

Uganda Women’s Network (UWONET), in partnership with Nsinze Sub-County HIV/AIDS Workers Association (NSHAWA) and AMREF Health Africa, implemented an initiative to scale up efforts in reducing teenage pregnancies among vulnerable girls in Eastern Uganda. This initiative aimed to combat Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) and curb the prevalence of teenage pregnancy and child marriage in Namutumba and Bugiri districts.

UWONET focused on strengthening the capacity of key stakeholders within both formal and informal sectors including GBV response teams, healthcare systems, and justice referral services and providing shelter to GBV survivors. This effort sought to enhance the prevention and response mechanisms for teenage pregnancies and child marriages.

This bulletin highlights key successes and transformative stories from community volunteers, including Role Model Men (RMM), Community Facilitators, and survivors. It also showcases initiatives at the GBV Advisory Center and Shelter in Namutumba district, growing collaborations for adolescent protection, and improved access to Sexual and Reproductive Health Services.

KEY SUCCESSES & STORIES OF CHANGE

As part of the Scale-Up Project, we provided shelter to 94 teen mothers and pregnant teenagers in Namutumba and Bugiri District. The shelter offers a safe space and a supportive environment where survivors can heal and rebuild their lives. Among them, 29 young mothers had infants, while 38 were pregnant. Additionally, 27 girls, though neither pregnant nor mothers, sought refuge to escape dangerous situations and receive daily counseling and support.

Survivors are provided with essential items at the shelter. Throughout, clients residing in the shelter benefited from a range of supportive measures aimed at enhancing their overall well-being and aiding in their psychological healing. Notably, essential items such as clothing, mama kits, and medication are provided to the residents. The supportive measures aim at addressing survivor basic needs and promoting a sense of dignity and comfort.

Resettled survivors after thorough consultations, mediation, and case resolution in collaboration with district and local council leaders, police, and other key stakeholders. Our holistic approach—integrating psychosocial support, shelter, legal assistance, and referrals—empowers survivors to reclaim their dignity and confidence.

Post Resettlement Follow-Ups

To ensure survivor safety and well-being, we conduct post-resettlement follow-up visits to support their reintegration into families, schools and communities.

Asumpta, a 16-year-old from Magada (name changed for privacy), has re-enrolled in S.2 at St. Mathias School. Similarly, Aisha, also 16 and a resident of Kangulumo, has rejoined school as a S.1 student at Kangulumo Secondary School. Both mothers of these teenage girls have assumed caregiving responsibilities for their grandchildren, enabling the young mothers to focus on their studies. This support from parents highlights a growing community commitment to helping teenage” mothers continue their education.

Enhanced gender-sensitive practices and attitude change in the prevention of teenage pregnancies. Community facilitators and role model men were empowered to identify and address gender biases in communities concerning SGBV.

In Bugiri district, particularly in the Islamic culture, most of the girls are married off after their first menstruation, efforts have been made to challenge this practice. Additionally, the misconception that child mothers are considered mature enough for marriage instead of being prioritized for education in both districts has been addressed. In Bugiri, our initiatives successfully intervened in 6 cases, rescuing teenage mothers from forced marriages. These girls were in Kapyang s/c – 1, Budhaya s/c – 2, Iwemba s/c -3. Similarly, in Namutumba district, a total of 9 girls were rescued from child marriages perpetuated by these gender biases across all sub-counties. In Magada s/c-5, Namutumba s/c-2, Bulange-1 and Kagulu-1. These interventions not only prevent harmful practices but also enhance the access of women and girls to justice and educational opportunities.

UWONET created community awareness on Sexual and Reproductive Health Rights (SRHR) and teenage pregnancy prevention reaching a total of 10,969 individuals, including 5,229 females and 5,740 males. For sustainability, the community peer educators committed to continue doing project activities even when it ends. This informal structure has become a beacon of hope for the community, offering GBV prevention and response services and support to its members.

A total of 195 adolescents received comprehensive support, including medical examinations, psychosocial counseling, shelter, clothing, bedding, food, and legal aid. Additionally, 728 Kokono baby cribs were distributed to expectant teenage survivors of SGBV and young mothers with newborns in Namutumba (Magada, Namutumba, Bulange, and Kagulu sub-counties) and Bugiri (Iwemba, Budhaya, Kapyanga, and Bulesa sub-counties). These cribs play a crucial role in promoting healthy and safe sleep environments, as they come equipped with mosquito nets to protect infants from mosquitoes and other disease-carrying insects

Kokono Crib Distribution

UWONET distributed Kokono baby cribs to 728 teenage mothers in Bugiri and Namutumba districts.

UWONET has provided crucial support in connecting survivors of SGBV with essential services, such as the police, local leaders and courts of law. UWONET also played a key role in promoting positive behavior within the community and encouraging parents to reintegrate teen mothers into schools. Our outreach efforts extended to various platforms, including boda boda stages, village meetings, schools (to engage with adolescents), places of worship, social gatherings at trading centers, and market days, among others.

In Kagali Village Kapyanga Sub-County, 14-year-old Betty (not real names) was rescued from forced marriage after her father accepted marriage gifts (brideprice) worth UGX 100,000 (one hundred thousand shillings only). UWONET got involved in the matter following a tip off by one of the Male Peer Educators causing Betty’s father and the man to whom Betty had been forcefully married to flee. The Male Peer Educators of Kapyanga Sub-County took Betty to Health Center III for medical examination and to have her tested for pregnancy and Sexually Transmitted Infections (STI). All the tests turned out negative. The Male Peer Educators also visited Betty’s school and after some discussions with the authorities, were permitted to bring her back to school. To ensure that Betty’s transition to school was done with minimal discomfort, she was attached to the Senior Woman Teacher (SWT) for continued counselling and emotional support.
Through one of the Male Peer Educators, Betty’s father was eventually reached via telephone, and he expressed remorse for his actions. He also stated that he had abandoned his plan to marry off his child and would support her stay in school. Betty is currently in Primary Six in Trust Primary School in Kagaire Village Kapyanga Sub-County. The Male Peer Educators have continued to monitor her father and also counsel him to remain steadfast in his decision to protect his daughter and keep her in school.

Skill development of 181 survivors: as part of the efforts to reduce teenage pregnancy and enhance economic resilience, a vocational skills program was introduced for survivors and school dropouts in Namutumba and Bugiri districts. This initiative supported teenagers in acquiring skills in hairdressing and liquid soap making. They were provided with startup materials, enabling them to continue the production and sales within their respective sub-counties. By collectively saving the proceeds, they have significantly improved their livelihoods, generating income to support themselves and their children.

A total of 90 teenage mothers enrolled in hairdressing training, while 91 engage in liquid soap production. To promote sustainability, participants formed structured groups with elected leadership in their groups.

In conclusion, UWONET’s efforts have significantly strengthened GBV prevention and response mechanisms, offering vital support to survivors and empowering communities. Through strategic partnerships, awareness campaigns, and safe shelter initiatives, the program has not only provided refuge and care but also fostered long-term community-driven solutions. The commitment of peer educators ensures the sustainability of these initiatives, making lasting strides in protecting adolescent girls and advancing Sexual and Reproductive Health Rights.
Roland Musasizi
Super Admin

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