Bugweri: Religious leaders and clan heads in Busoga have joined forces to fight teenage pregnancies and early marriages in the region, supporting Kyabazinga’s newly launched campaign, “Omusadha ne Mpango.”
During the Men’s Day commemorations at the Busoga Kingdom headquarters in Bugebe, Jinja City, last Saturday, the King of Busoga, HRH William Wilberforce Nadiope Gabula IV, was officially unveiled as the National UN Goodwill Ambassador to End Teenage Pregnancy in the Busoga Sub-region and Uganda.
The King’s new appointment prompted the launch of “Omusadha ne Mpango,” a powerful initiative led by the Kyabazinga to involve men in the fight against teenage pregnancies, early marriages, and HIV/AIDS.
“We have joined forces to ensure a better generation for tomorrow,” Sheikh Ali Waiswa, the Deputy Mufti of Uganda, said on Sunday, December 15, 2024.
The Deputy was addressing the Abaise Muyangu clan, which had gathered at Bukakare Village in Namalemba Subcounty, Bugweri District, for a unity event that attracted officials from Busoga Kingdom and the Uganda Muslim Supreme Council.
Sheikh Waiswa emphasized that the clergy had begun preaching the King’s message, spreading the important information to locals, especially men, who are key players in the campaign.
“We are teaching everyone to understand their responsibilities in this campaign. We want to see zero cases in this area, especially here in Busoga,” he said, explaining that their efforts focus not only on teenage pregnancies and early marriages but also on their root causes, such as poverty and other factors.
He urged parents to embrace the campaign and take greater responsibility in caring for their children, particularly young girls who are most vulnerable to these harmful practices.
In his acceptance remarks on Saturday, December 14, 2024, the Kyabazinga vowed to lead the campaign, stating that it was timely.
He emphasized the need for a healthy population in the communities for sustainable development, noting that it is one of the kingdom’s pillars in the fight against HIV/AIDS in Busoga and other communicable diseases.
Ms. Sarah Nakku, a community mobilization advisor at UNAIDS, highlighted that many young girls in Busoga are impregnated by their peers.
She explained that UNAIDS had joined forces with USAID, UNFPA, the Uganda AIDS Commission, cultural institutions, and other development partners to support King Nadiope’s leadership of the campaign “Omusadha ne Mpango,” which translates to “The Man is the Pillar.”
According to her, the trend of teenage pregnancy is expected to be reduced in the next five years.
