Local leaders in Kisoro district have called for action against the rising issue of teenage pregnancies following the arrest of 16 girls in connection with the abandonment of a dead baby near their hostel.
Police officers from Gatimba Community Police Post detained the suspects on Monday, August 26, 2024, after the deceased infant was found in a plantation near their residence at the Nalongo building, located in Kamonyi village, Northern division, in Kisoro municipality, an area that has seen similar distressing cases in the past.
Speaking at the police post, Kalan Zadok, the area OC, urged young girls to use preventive measures, such as the use of condoms, to avoid unwanted pregnancies and the potential complications that could lead to deaths during abortion procedures.
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Daud Line, the LC1 Chairperson of Kamonyi village, highlighted the importance of safe delivery practices for pregnant girls and discouraged the normalization of abortion as a solution to unintended pregnancies.
He also noted the issue of unregistered individuals and lack of accountability among sex workers in the area, calling for registration to improve oversight and support for vulnerable individuals.
Teenage pregnancy in Uganda remains a significant public health issue, with approximately 25% of girls aged 15-19 having either given birth or are currently pregnant, and an average of 1,000 teenage pregnancies reported each day, which poses a persistent challenge in addressing the issue.
