How mothers are grappling with misconceptions to embrace family planning

8 November 2022, 9:56 am

By Akugizibwe Victor & Sunday William

Women in rural communities of Kibaale district in western Uganda are struggling to cut through a plethora of myth and misconceptions to embrace family planning. The slow uptake of family planning services is according to experts contributing to rapid population growth something that is exerting pressure on resources.

Margret Nalubega, a resident of Busesa Kasaraba in Matale sub-county, says she has failed to embrace family planning because of bad things she has been hearing about it from other women.

Joyce Tumushabemukama, a mother of five and a resident of Nyamihindo village in Bwamiramira sub-county, Kibaale district, says she enrolled for family planning services for three years without informing her husband. She left it after fearing that her husband would turn against her.

Rev Samuel Kwesiga, the programmes coordinator with USAID Pathfinder family planning activity, says there is low uptake and embracement of family planning in rural communities because of lack of access to information and services.

Dr Richard Lubega, the director of Busesa health center in Matale sub-county, Kibaale district, says mothers should not just enroll on family planning methods before a critical assessment by qualified personnel. He reveals that in most cases mothers go to health facilities with a predetermined mind on the family planning method she wants that is different from what would be the advice of the health personnel.