UNAIDS, Kyabazinga Launch Campaign to Combat Teenage Pregnancies and Child Marriages in Busoga

Summary:

• UNAIDS, in partnership with the Kyabazinga of Busoga, launched the “Abasadha n’empango” campaign to combat teenage pregnancies and child marriages in Busoga. Kyabazinga William Gabula Nadiope IV was appointed as a UNAIDS National Goodwill Ambassador.

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The Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS), in collaboration with the Kyabazinga of Busoga, has launched a campaign called “Abasadha n’empango” (Men are the Pillars) to tackle the rising rates of teenage pregnancies and child marriages in the Busoga subregion.

The launch took place at the Kingdom’s headquarters in Bugembe, Jinja City, where Kyabazinga William Gabula Nadiope IV was appointed as a UNAIDS National Goodwill Ambassador. The campaign focuses on promoting behavioral change among men and boys, encouraging them to take responsible roles in their families to address these issues.

Recent reports from the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) reveal that Busoga has the highest rates of teenage pregnancies and child marriages in Uganda, with over 130,000 girls aged 15 to 19 becoming pregnant in the past three years. Kamuli and Mayuge districts have reported the highest figures.

In his address, Kyabazinga Nadiope expressed confidence in the campaign’s potential impact, stressing the importance of teamwork in achieving positive results. “By working with organized partners like UNAIDS, we believe we can make a real difference,” he said.

Jacqueline Makokha, UNAIDS Country Director, highlighted the significance of involving men in the fight against these issues, noting that men play a crucial role in society. “We launched this campaign because men are pillars. Engaging them is key to reducing teenage pregnancies and HIV infections among adolescents,” she explained.

The campaign will include outreach programs aimed at mobilizing men and boys across the region, with support from the Kingdom’s traditional structures, including the Chiefs’ Royal Council and clan heads, to spread the message at the grassroots level.

Sarah Nakku, UNAIDS Community Mobilization and Networking Officer, emphasized the link between teenage pregnancies and the increased risk of HIV infections among adolescents. She expressed hope that the collaborative efforts of various agencies in Busoga will lead to significant reductions in teenage pregnancies, with a target to decrease the rate from 28% to 19% over the next five years.

Despite a modest 1% decrease in teenage pregnancies over the past five years, Nakku remains optimistic that the Kyabazinga’s involvement will catalyze change.

Yudaya Babirye, Minister for Kyabazinga Affairs, reiterated the Kingdom’s commitment to the campaign, noting that the Kyabazinga has long been concerned about the negative reports surrounding Busoga. She called this initiative a vital opportunity to turn things around.

The campaign’s launch coincided with International Men’s Day, underscoring the importance of male involvement in addressing societal challenges. With the support of UNAIDS and other stakeholders, the people of Busoga are hopeful that the leadership of their Kyabazinga will guide the region towards a brighter future.