The Isebantu Kyabazinga of Busoga, William Gabula Nadiope IV, has been appointed as a UNAIDS Goodwill Ambassador to lead the fight against teenage pregnancy in Busoga and Uganda, Busoga Kingdom has announced.
This proactive campaign aims to address the primary causes of teenage pregnancies, including poverty, lack of parental involvement, and limited access to reproductive health services.
The Kyabazinga, known for his commitment to cultural, social, and economic transformation, will lead efforts to involve men and boys in Busoga and Uganda in tackling these challenges in a campaign dubbed “ABASADHA NE’MPANGO” [literally meaning that men are the pillars] in the fight against teenage pregnancy.
“This campaign seeks to strengthen the family unit in Busoga as a foundation for cultural and economic growth, as envisioned by His Majesty the Kyabazinga and Inhebantu,” said Owekitiibwa Osman Ahmed Noor, Busoga Kingdom’s Second Deputy Prime Minister, on Sunday.
The initiative is expected to inspire the people of Busoga and Uganda to take charge and change the narrative of negative development indicators in the region. Studies have shown that children thrive best when men are actively engaged in parenting and family leadership.
The appointment aligns with UNAIDS’ broader mission to achieve zero new HIV infections, zero AIDS-related deaths, and zero discrimination globally.
The campaign also addresses many of the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and will therefore be supported by all UN agencies and other partners.
This campaign will be supported by UNAIDS in collaboration with 11 UN agencies, each focusing on different aspects of reducing teenage pregnancies in Uganda. These agencies include UNHCR, UNICEF, UN Women, UNESCO, and the World Bank, among others.
“These organizations will work together to address key issues such as poverty, education gaps, access to reproductive health services, and harmful social norms that perpetuate early pregnancies and child marriages,” Osman added.
Key drivers of teenage pregnancy to be addressed include parenting gaps, absentee and uninvolved parenting—especially by fathers—as well as poverty and unemployment, where economic pressures contribute to early marriages.
Efforts will also target food insecurity to alleviate risks associated with economic hardships and globalization, and to manage adolescent exposure to inappropriate information.
The Kyabazinga’s official appointment will be celebrated on December 13, 2024, at the Busoga Kingdom Headquarters, coinciding with Uganda’s celebration of International Men’s Day. The event, jointly organized by Uganda’s Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development and the Ministry of Health, will host representatives from the 11 UN agencies, cultural leaders, local leaders, religious figures, and media professionals.
In addition to the formal proceedings, the public is invited to receive free medical services, including health education, TB screening, HIV/AIDS counseling and testing, and prostate cancer screening, among others.
The campaign will be spearheaded by Kyabazinga Initiatives (KI), an organization established in 2023 within the office of the king to drive strategic interventions for the development of Busoga.
KI will work closely with UN agencies and other partners to ensure the success of this initiative and many other projects that benefit the public. A major public awareness campaign, Abasadha ne’Mpango, will be launched early next year to engage stakeholders and communities more deeply in this cause.
Meanwhile, His Majesty will celebrate his 36th birthday on December 14 and 15, 2024, with a royal banquet at Igenge Palace and the final match of the MTN Busoga Masaza Cup, respectively.
The strictly by-invitation banquet will start at 2 p.m. and will feature the unveiling of BUSOGA UNITED FC by FUFA to His Majesty the Kyabazinga.
The Sunday, December 15, final match is between Butembe and Bukono at Bugembe Stadium at 2 p.m. On the same day, a friendly match between Busoga United FC and the Uganda Cranes will cap off the festivities.
Owekitiibwa Haji Osman Ahmed Noor urged the public to embrace the MTN BUSOGA Masaza Cup Final on December 15. Entrance is 5,000 UGX in cash or 2,000 UGX via MTN MoMo pay.
“I urge all the people of Busoga to join us at Kyabazinga Stadium Bugembe for this historic match as we celebrate not only the Kyabazinga’s birthday but also the strength and unity of Busoga through sports,” he said.
Kyabazinga William Gabula Nadiope IV’s new role as UNAIDS Goodwill Ambassador reflects his unwavering commitment to improving the lives of young girls and boys, strengthening family values, and empowering communities. This partnership with UNAIDS and other UN agencies marks a significant step toward reducing teenage pregnancies and fostering a brighter future for Busoga and beyond.
The public, especially the men (Empango dha Busoga), is urged to support His Majesty as he embarks on this noble cause as a champion.
