Uganda Must Keep Pregnant Teens in School to Unlock Youth Potential

Uganda’s young population represents a key strength for the nation’s future. Realizing this potential hinges on prioritizing girls’ education amid high dropout rates.

Over 60% of children who start primary school fail to finish, with another 25% dropping out by secondary level—girls hit hardest. Teenage pregnancy fuels this, with 24% of girls aged 10-19 affected, equating to 1,000 cases daily. Many face stigma and quit school permanently, though only a third return post-childbirth.

These dropouts mean lost leaders, workers, and innovators. Each extra year of schooling boosts a girl’s earnings and economic input significantly.

The Gender for Development Uganda Programme, backed by the EU’s Team Europe Initiative, UNICEF, and partners, tackles barriers like poverty, gender norms, early marriage, and weak protections. Its ‘cash plus’ model offers money, mentorship, life skills, health services, and community work.

Early results are promising: participating schools see higher enrollment, better retention, and fewer dropouts. Most supported girls return for future terms, as families cite inability to afford fees without aid.

Broader action is essential, involving government, partners, civil society, businesses, and communities. This means better sexuality education, youth health access, child safeguards, and welcoming schools for pregnant students.

Investing in girls ensures they delay pregnancy, finish education, and contribute fully. With targeted efforts, Uganda can secure every girl’s education.

The original article was published in Daily Monitor Uganda here, co-authored by EU Head Amb Jan Sadek and UNICEF Rep Dr Robin Nandy.