Poverty, lack of manpower blamed for teenage pregnancies in Kamuli

Kamuli, Uganda: Poverty and lack of household labour support have been identified as key drivers of domestic violence and rising teenage pregnancies in Kamuli District, local officials have revealed.

The findings emerged during a capacity-building meeting convened by Africa Water Solution, a Kamuli-based NGO, which brought together community leaders, parents, and change agents to develop strategies to combat teenage pregnancies, child labour, and early marriages in the district.

Kamuli District Community Development Officer, Leo Waibi Mere Ewoma, said economic hardship continues to strain families, often triggering domestic conflict that disproportionately affects girls.

“Poverty and lack of manpower are the major causes of domestic violence, which in turn leads to teenage pregnancies,” Ewoma said. “If we are to make meaningful progress, we must address these root causes at household and community level.”

Alarming trends in Busoga

Kamuli, like much of the Busoga sub-region, continues to grapple with high rates of teenage pregnancies, early marriages, and school dropouts among girls.

Local estimates indicate that more than 1,000 teenage girls in the district become pregnant annually, a trend that officials warn is undermining education outcomes and long-term socio-economic development.

Stakeholders at the meeting noted that many affected girls are forced out of school, limiting their future opportunities and perpetuating cycles of poverty.

Parents urged to take responsibility

Programme facilitators emphasised the role of families in reversing the trend, calling for stronger parental involvement and protection of children.

Mr. Wafula Hilarry urged parents to actively guide and support their children, particularly girls, to remain in school.

“As parents, we have a crucial role to play in preventing teenage pregnancies. We must provide guidance, support, and protection to our children to ensure they stay focused on their education,” he said.

Participants pledged to strengthen community vigilance and support systems to safeguard vulnerable children.

Community structures to track cases

The meeting resolved to establish community-based monitoring structures to identify and report cases of teenage pregnancy, child labour, and early marriage.

These structures will also link affected girls to essential services, including healthcare, education, and counselling, as part of a broader intervention strategy.

Africa Water Solution says it is working toward a target of safeguarding at least 85 percent of vulnerable girls in Kamuli through sustained community engagement and support programmes.

Call for multi-sectoral response

Stakeholders called on government to increase funding for community development programmes, stressing that tackling teenage pregnancies requires a coordinated, multi-sectoral approach.

They highlighted the need for investments in education, healthcare, economic empowerment, and social protection systems to address underlying vulnerabilities.

Officials warned that without sustained intervention, the district risks deeper social challenges tied to early pregnancies, including unemployment, poor health outcomes, and intergenerational poverty.

The meeting ended with renewed commitment from local leaders, parents, and civil society actors to intensify efforts aimed at protecting girls and restoring hope in affected communities.