Health 25 April 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
Safe Homes and Ending Domestic Violence Key to Curbing Uganda's Teenage Pregnancies
Uganda's Ministry of Health urges creating violence-free homes to combat teenage pregnancies affecting 24% of girls, alongside 34% child marriages before age 18. Experts at a Kampala dialogue call for moral values, sexual education, and multi-sectoral investments to address youth health challenges. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/create-safe-homes-stop-domestic-violence-to-prevent-teenage-pregnancies-5436362
Uganda faces a crisis with 24% teenage pregnancy rates and 34% of girls marrying before 18, according to Ministry of Health data. Officials warn this trend is devastating young lives and demands urgent action.
Dr. Richard Mugahi, Reproductive Health Commissioner, labeled it a ‘time bomb’ and advocated for safe homes free from domestic violence to protect youth.
State Minister Balaam Barugahara emphasized personal responsibility, moral values, body respect, and comprehensive sexual education to fight HIV and pregnancies. He stressed that building a healthy generation is a collective duty.
The discussions occurred at a youth dialogue on sexual and reproductive health in Kampala, hosted by the Ministry of Health with partners like the East, Central and Southern African Health Community and AUDA-NEPAD. The theme was ‘Bridging the Gap: From Youth Voices to Policy Action’.
Dr. Irene Mwenyango, Assistant Commissioner for Adolescent and School Health, highlighted overlapping issues like STIs, gender-based violence, mental health, substance abuse, malnutrition, and infectious diseases. She called for multi-sectoral efforts and more funding for preventive services and family planning.
Investing in family planning and socio-economic reforms could yield broad benefits beyond health, she added.
Source: Daily Monitor (Uganda)