society 25 March 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
Uganda's Single Mothers Deserve Support Over Stigma Amid Rising Abandonment
Single motherhood is surging across Uganda, affecting women from all backgrounds as fathers increasingly abandon their responsibilities, leaving mothers to face economic hardship and social judgment alone. Society must promote accountable fatherhood, mentor boys, and provide real support to strengthen families. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/oped/letters/when-fathers-walk-away-single-mothers-need-support-not-stigma-5403504
International Women’s Day 2026 highlighted a stark reality in Uganda: more women are raising children single-handedly. Uganda Bureau of Statistics data shows a sharp rise in single-parent households, predominantly led by mothers, fueled by abandonment and fragile relationships.
A TikTok video from a 33-year-old mother of three seeking a stable partner drew cruel backlash instead of support, underscoring how single mothers are shamed while absent fathers escape scrutiny. This issue spans education, income, and social status, touching sisters, colleagues, and friends everywhere.
Economic strains and shifting dynamics contribute, but the core problem is unaccountable men. Boys need better mentoring to become responsible fathers, beyond just girl-child empowerment efforts.
Single mothers endure financial woes, stigma, and emotional tolls, with their children suffering too. This Women’s Month calls for action: champion responsible fatherhood, back single moms, and build supportive communities so no parent bears the load alone.
A stable home is every child’s right, and supportive partnerships a shared duty. When fathers leave, mothers persevere—but they shouldn’t have to do it solo.
Source: Daily Monitor (Uganda)