Religious Institutions Urged to Re-enroll Pregnant Girls and Teenage Mothers in Schools

Religious institutions, which own a significant portion of Uganda’s schools, are urged to reconsider policies that expel pregnant girls and teenage mothers. Lawrence Yiga, from the Initiative for Social and Economic Rights (ISER), highlighted that these faith-based bodies have the power to influence educational access.

ISER is working with religious leaders through the ‘Channels of Hope’ initiative, using religious teachings to address challenges faced by vulnerable children. This has led to policy shifts in some institutions. Yiga shared that schools embracing this approach have seen positive outcomes, citing an example in Yumbe District where teenage mothers are allowed to return to school with their infants.

These young mothers, upon returning, have become peer advocates, encouraging other girls to stay in school. Yiga also called on the Ministry of Education and Sports to strengthen legal protections by explicitly prohibiting discrimination based on pregnancy and reviewing re-entry guidelines that may keep girls out of school for extended periods.

Abirimuti Primary School in Yumbe District is a case in point. After engagements with ISER, the school revised its policy to retain pregnant students. One student successfully completed Primary Seven after giving birth, passed her exams, and transitioned to secondary school. The school has since welcomed back other young mothers, providing them with support systems to continue their education.

Despite these successes, deep-seated cultural beliefs and social stigma in many rural communities continue to hinder the re-entry of adolescent mothers into education. Pastor Waswa Kayemba Joseph noted that some communities view teenage pregnancy as a ‘curse.’ Faith leaders also acknowledge a lack of precise field data that can impede timely interventions.

Hajj Mahmoud Namuguzi of the Uganda Muslim Supreme Council emphasized the need for accurate on-the-ground information, revealing that a recent visit to Yumbe uncovered widespread non-admission of pregnant girls. In response, the UMSC is developing targeted programs for vulnerable learners. Some institutions are exploring the creation of specialized learning and skills development centers for those unable to immediately rejoin mainstream education.