Poverty and Culture Fuel Teenage Pregnancy in Uganda's Refugee Communities, Say Leaders

Members of Parliament, local leaders, and cultural figures have voiced concerns over the escalating rates of teenage pregnancy and school absenteeism within refugee communities. During a workshop focused on the Sexual Health and Reproductive Education (SHARE) Project, participants identified poverty as a significant factor, where girls are sometimes viewed as economic assets to be married off for family gain. This economic pressure, coupled with a lack of financial independence for some girls, contributes to early unions and subsequent pregnancies.

Cultural practices also present considerable barriers. Discussions revealed that in some traditions, talking about contraception, including the use of condoms, is taboo, hindering vital education on preventing unintended pregnancies and HIV transmission. The disturbing practice of “convoy marriage,” where families arrange marriages for girls without their consent, was also highlighted as a serious concern. These forced unions often lead to immediate school dropout.

Institutional challenges within schools, such as poor sanitation and bullying, exacerbate the problem. Incidents of menstrual hygiene-related bullying can make girls feel unsafe and unwelcome at school, leading them to abandon their education. While efforts are underway to provide reusable sanitary pads, the scale of the need requires broader support.

Lawmakers are urging the Ugandan government to assume greater responsibility for child welfare programs as donor-funded initiatives like the SHARE project reach their conclusion. They argue that sustaining these programs is a governmental duty, not solely an NGO’s role. The issue of teenage pregnancy and its impact on human capital is recognized as a national challenge, extending beyond refugee settlements to urban areas like Kampala.

The Parish Development Model was also critiqued for its limited impact on families struggling with school fees and medical expenses, suggesting that free access to essential services would be more beneficial. There is a collective call for policymakers, cultural leaders, and civil society to collaborate in dismantling harmful practices that impede adolescents’ reproductive health rights and educational opportunities. The need for government support in providing sanitary towels to schoolgirls was also emphasized as a critical step in ensuring continued education.