NEBBI, UGANDA: The Church of Uganda’s Nebbi Diocese has called on parents and communities to prioritise comprehensive sexuality education and women empowerment as a strategy to tackle rising teenage pregnancies.
The call was made during the annual Mary’s Day celebrations organised by the Mothers’ Union at St. Paul Church of Uganda in Goli Central Archdeaconry on Sunday.
Addressing hundreds of believers, health worker and Mothers’ Union member Prisca Bithum urged parents to take responsibility for educating their children about body changes and real-life challenges.
“As a parent, have you ever taken time to talk to your children about sexual education? It is your role to guide them through their body changes and real-life experiences,” she said.
Bithum warned against leaving the responsibility solely to schools or peers, noting that limited parental involvement continues to fuel high rates of teenage pregnancies in rural communities.
“Let us not leave this responsibility to teachers or friends. Parents must speak openly and truthfully to their children,” she added.
Recent data cited by Zombo District Community Development Officer Samuel Ocaki indicates that between 2024 and 2025, the district recorded 3,896 teenage pregnancies—representing about 26.7 percent, significantly above national averages.
Juliet Atimango, Chairperson of the Mothers’ Union at St. Paul Church, expressed concern over the growing trend, particularly in Zombo and surrounding areas.
“We need stronger parental accountability and a shift in how communities protect adolescent girls,” she said.
The event also highlighted the importance of empowering women and girls through education and economic opportunities.
Sunday Kayom, representing the Mentoring and Empowerment Programme for Young Women (MEMPROW), emphasised the need to prioritise girls’ education and promote self-reliance.
“Education and economic empowerment are key to reducing teenage pregnancies and improving the future of our young girls,” she noted.
Reverend Marlon Rupiny, Parish Priest of Paidha Town Church of Uganda, urged believers to value and support the girl child. “We must empower girls and women if we are to build strong and responsible communities,” he said.
According to national figures, approximately 25 per cent of girls aged 15–19 in Uganda have begun childbearing, a figure that has remained largely unchanged in recent years.
Church leaders said the advocacy aligns with broader efforts in the West Nile region to reduce adolescent pregnancies through education, community engagement, and behavioural change.
However, they noted that implementation of sexuality education programmes continues to face challenges, including cultural resistance and differing views on teaching approaches.
Mary’s Day remains an important observance in the Church of Uganda, honouring the Virgin Mary as a symbol of faith, motherhood, and service, while promoting family values and child protection.
The diocese’s message comes ahead of the district’s belated International Women’s Day celebrations scheduled for March 26, which are expected to further amplify calls for gender equality and protection of adolescent girls.
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