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Dr. Irene Mwenyango calls for urgent action on adolescent health vices in Uganda

24 September 2026, 4:06 pm

Commissioner Irene Mwenyango addresses journalists at Essela Country Home in Najjera in Kampala during a Unesco training

By Frank Oyugi

KAMPALA — Dr. Irene Mwenyango, Assistant Commissioner for the Adolescent and School Health Division at Uganda’s Ministry of Health, has issued a passionate plea to local communities, faith institutions, and media platforms to urgently step up interventions targeting teenage pregnancy, HIV transmission, and gender-based violence (GBV).

Speaking at the close of a landmark capacity-building session for media managers and health communicators in Kampala, Dr. Mwenyango underscored that the deep-seated challenges facing young people across the country stem primarily from deep-rooted cultural beliefs and systemic information gaps.

She noted that without factual information delivered in clear, local languages, young people remain vulnerable to harmful traditional practices, exploitation, and poor health choices.

Highlighting the critical link between education and health outcomes, Dr. Mwenyango emphasized that teenage pregnancy and adolescent health issues cannot be treated in isolation. “Teenage pregnancy is not solely an education issue or a health issue—it cuts across sectors,” she remarked. “Until we stop working in silos and begin coordinating our interventions, we will continue addressing symptoms instead of root causes.”

Dr. Mwenyango urged communicators and local leaders to move away from sensationalism, alarmist reporting, and the stigmatization of affected youth.

On the left is Doreen Grace Acipa ( Station Manager) ,next is to her is Frank Gold Oyugi ( Chief News Editor and Digital Content Manager) and on his left is Sammy Rwot Omiyo ( The production Manager) all for Radio Qfm and Oroma TV -among 10 media houses in the whole country partnering with Unesco

Instead, she advocated for solution-driven engagement, strict adherence to adolescent privacy and ethics, and continuous promotion of existing national support networks, including the Ministry of Health’s toll-free line (0800-100-066) and the Child Helpline (116).

Reaffirming the Ministry of Health’s commitment to multi-sectoral partnerships, Dr. Mwenyango called on district local governments, non-governmental organizations, and faith-based partners to join hands in safeguarding the country’s youth.

She stressed that empowering adolescents with accurate health literacy and life skills today is essential for safeguarding Uganda’s socio-economic future and human capital.