Kyabazinga Partners With UNICEF To Combat Teenage Pregnancy In Busoga

In a decisive move to combat the escalating crisis of teenage pregnancies and school dropouts in the Busoga sub-region, the Kyabazinga of Busoga, His Majesty William Gabula Nadiope IV, has partnered with the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) to spearhead a multi-stakeholder intervention aimed at protecting the future of young girls.

On May 30, 2025, the Kyabazinga convened a high-level meeting bringing together District Education Officers, school inspectors, local leaders, and students from primary and secondary schools across Busoga. The dialogue, held under the auspices of the Kyabazinga Initiatives, marked a significant step in confronting the root causes of early childbearing and school abandonment in the region.

Speaking at the event, the Kyabazinga decried the growing normalization of child marriage and teenage pregnancy, which he said continue to derail the education and wellbeing of children particularly girls. “Teenage pregnancy is robbing our children of their future,” he said, urging unified action among parents, educators, cultural leaders, and policymakers to reverse the trend.

The Kyabazinga used the platform to launch his community initiative, Abasadha n’empango translated as “Men are the Pillars” calling on men to actively participate in the fight against child marriage by championing household development and protecting children’s rights. He stressed that economic empowerment for men through job creation and income-generating ventures would ease the financial pressures that often drive families to marry off their daughters prematurely.

“As a cultural institution, we are committed to mobilising communities and forging stronger partnerships to end this crisis,” the Kyabazinga declared. “We must rally all forces from cultural actors to government agencies to safeguard our children and improve key development indicators such as education, health, and family income.”

The event also served as a feedback forum for a questionnaire previously circulated by the Kyabazinga, inviting students and stakeholders to share insights into the causes of teenage pregnancies. The findings, received and reviewed at the forum, are expected to inform future policy and community-driven strategies.

UNICEF’s Country Representative, Dr. Robin Nandi, praised the Kyabazinga’s leadership and reaffirmed UNICEF’s commitment to supporting efforts that keep girls in school and help young mothers reintegrate into the education system. “UNICEF welcomes the cultural institution’s proactive involvement. We stand ready to support initiatives that address both prevention and educational continuity,” Dr. Nandi said.

Busoga Kingdom’s Prime Minister, Dr. Joseph Muvawala, offered a candid critique of current societal trends, accusing some parents of abdicating their responsibilities and leaving children to navigate adolescence alone. He also pointed a finger at schools that prioritise academic grades over holistic development, warning that such a narrow focus undermines learners’ competitiveness and long-term success.

“Schools must nurture more than just grades,” Dr. Muvawala said. “We need institutions that prepare children for life socially, emotionally, and morally.”
In closing, the Kyabazinga called on students to remain focused and avoid distractions that could jeopardize their futures. He also challenged all stakeholders to reflect deeply on the crisis and to develop innovative, context-specific solutions to address the root causes of teenage pregnancies.

The partnership between Busoga Kingdom and UNICEF is expected to yield a series of community outreach programs, education support services, and advocacy campaigns tailored to the needs of vulnerable adolescents in the region. With the involvement of traditional leaders and development partners, Busoga’s efforts are poised to serve as a national model for tackling early childbearing and promoting girls’ education.

Also present at the event were the Kingdom’s 2nd Deputy Prime Minister Osman Ahmed Noor, Speaker of Busoga Lukiiko George Mutyabule, Kyabazinga Affairs Minister Owek. Yudaya Babirye, Education Minister Owek. Nasabu Nantale, Gender Minister Owek. Rose Kafuko, Constitutional Affairs Minister Alex Luganda, and Prince Sam Nkuutu (Issabalangira of Busoga).

As Busoga moves to confront one of the gravest social challenges of its time, the message from the Kyabazinga is clear: the fight against teenage pregnancy is not a women’s issue alone, it’s a societal crisis demanding full participation from all, especially men.