BUSOGA: The Kyabazinga of Busoga, William Wilberforce Gabula Nadiope IV, has reaffirmed his dedication to elevating Busoga to greater heights. A key strategy in this endeavor is combating teenage pregnancies and early marriages within the kingdom.
At a stakeholders’ engagement meeting held at Igenge Palace in Jinja city, the Kyabazinga urged District Education Officers (DEOs) and headteachers of primary and secondary schools in the Busoga subregion to prevent young girls and boys from engaging in activities that lead to early pregnancies and a poor future.
“The main reason we are fathered here today is to find strategies on how we could end teenage pregnancies in Busoga and Uganda at large,” said the King. “I want to retaliate my personal commitment to use our cultural institution and leading the way in strengthening linkages among actors and increase mobilization of stakeholders to create a critical mass that can help to end teenage pregnancies.”
In partnership with the United Nations, the Busoga kingdom launched an initiative dubbed “Abasadha ne Mpango” (Men are the Pillars). This campaign aims to empower men to take an active role in preventing teenage pregnancies.
The Kyabazinga serves as a role model for this initiative, which seeks to engage various stakeholders in the fight against teenage pregnancies.
The King is not only emphasizing the need to end teenage pregnancies, but his focus is also improving education standards, health, and household income.
“Teachers are key in shaping the future of young people including myself. We, therefore, honour’s your efforts kn nation building and shaping the future of Busoga children,” he said.
Dr. Robin Nandy, Country Representative of the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), praised the Kyabazinga for championing this drive, promising continued support for the initiative.
“It is crucial to champion this initiative of fighting teenage pregnancies and early marriages in Busoga region. This speaks not only to the future of young girls but also to the future communities and the nation at large,” Dr. Nande said.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister of Busoga Joseph Muvawala congratulated the Kyabazinga on completing his studies at Yale University, where he recently attained a Doctrate Degree in Globe Affairs. He vowed to defend the Kyabazinga and the Busoga kingdom against any opposition, emphasizing the importance of unity among the Basoga people.
The event drew dignitaries from UN agencies, Busoga ministers, deputy prime ministers, the Speaker of Busoga Lukiiko, princes, princesses, and over 3,000 headteachers and DEOs.
Deborah Basekanakyo, Headteacher of Wanyange Girls School, welcomed the initiative, expressing her eagerness to collaborate with the Kyabazinga in driving positive change.
