Luuka District, Uganda: Action Against Teenage Pregnancies (ACOV), together with Advance Africa, have rolled out sports therapy sessions to help teenage mothers and survivors of gender-based violence rebuild confidence and reconnect with their communities.
Through the Sports Therapy Project, the girls participate in netball, football, volleyball and other games designed to promote healing, peer bonding and emotional recovery.
Mrs Anne Kikandwa, a Malawian national and project coordinator for Africa, said sports has proven to be an effective tool for helping abused girls regain their sense of belonging after trauma.
“We focus on sports therapy to help children, especially girls who have been abused through gender-based violence and other forms of abuse, to open up and engage with their environment after the trauma they face,” Kikandwa said.
She urged learners and parents to work together to curb teenage pregnancies, describing it as a major concern repeatedly highlighted by communities.
“As a fellow youth, I encourage learners and parents to unite and fight teenage pregnancies because it is one of the biggest complaints we receive from society,” she added.
Addressing the community after a sports gala between Bukanga Primary School and Namukubembe Primary School, ACOV project coordinator for Luuka and Kamuli Districts, Mpaata Sharif, called on parents and leaders to take greater responsibility in ending gender-based violence, which he said is fuelling teenage pregnancies across Busoga.
“I encourage all parents and leaders at all levels to join hands and fight GBV. Let us not leave it to NGOs alone—it is our responsibility,” Mpaata said.
Namukubembe Primary School headteacher, Mrs Kiiba Harriet, appealed to parents to keep their children in school as one of the surest ways to protect them from abuse and exploitation.
The Sports Therapy Project is funded by the European Union and implemented in Luuka and Kamuli districts. Outstanding learners were awarded medals and other accolades after the games.
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