MASINDI, July 22, 2024 – The increasing teenage pregnancies and violations of children’s rights in Masindi district have been attributed to poor parenting and lack of sex education.
According to records from Bwijanga Health Centre IV, at least 100 girls under the age of 18 go for their first antenatal visit every month.
In six months, he said, at least 600 teens have reported for the first antenatal visit at the same facility.
According to Geoffrey Byenkya, Senior Probation Officer Masindi, many cases of child rights violations and teenage pregnancies go unreported.
“The most common cause of teenage pregnancies in Masindi is ignorance, poor parenting, and the urge for money. Right now we are following up on a case whereby a man has defiled his biological daughter in Ntooma village Bwijanga Subcounty. We are going to give details after investigations are done,” he said.
He added that some parents hide their children when they have been abused sexually or other way.
Byenkya was speaking days ago during the one day training of over 80 students from three secondary schools on sexual and reproductive health rights which was organised by FIDA through Finish Mission Uganda under under Safe Living Environment Project at Kabarwana Pentecostal Church in Masindi Municipality.
The students were drawn from Jordan Pride secondary school, Christian High School and Masindi Secondary School.
“This training needs to be rolled in all schools because it’s targeting the right people who are sexually active. The lack of sex education among the parents has escalated the problem. It’s like there’s no one talking to young girls. Another problem is the many cultures which are condoning such acts. There are many cases settled at family levels which is also not good,” said Byenkya.
Bishop Charles Bagonza, General Overseer of Pentecostal churches in Uganda explained that culture is curtailing many young children from speaking out against the violations they are going through.
“Many children are dying silently. Culture, socioeconomic situations, poverty and lack of knowledge has created ground for unending vulnerabilities on children, youth and families. We have come out with such trainings to be able to empower the young children to be able to make the right decisions. We also need these young people to go sensitise their colleagues,” noted Bagonza.
He also condemned the practice of parents parking contraceptives and condoms for their girls while going to school.
“Parents are no longer doing what they are supposed to do. Most parents are fearing their children. Many children are lacking role models. As parents if we’re not role models even our children won’t be role models. All stakeholders need to stand up and condemn some things for the betterment of our young generation,” said Bagonza.
PWDs not spared
The issue of abuse of children’s rights and teenage pregnancy has not only affected the normal children but also the children with disabilities.
According to William Mwambu the male district councilor representing PWDs who’s also the project manager, the worst part of it is when they are impregnated they are abandoned.
“In the last three months I have received 10 complaints. If you think you won’t take care of the child and her mother why engage in the sexual acts?” he asked.
Evelyn Ayebale Ayebale, Female Youth District Councillor noted that the rate at which children’s rights are being abused is high calling upon the parents to wake up and do their parental role.
A section of girls who spoke to the cooperator, attributed the increasing cases of teenage pregnancy to lack of adequate support and proper guidance from the parents, explaining that girls are easily lured by simple gifts.
https://thecooperator.news/speaker-among-castigates-parents-early-marriages-in/
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