Orom Community Stakeholders Commit to Ending Teenage Pregnancies

18 June 2026, 7:43 pm

by otim Moses

Stakeholders in Orom East Sub-county, Kitgum District, have committed to ending teenage pregnancies and safeguarding the future of young people through the Strength Project, a climate resilience initiative implemented in partnership with ADRA Uganda.

The commitment was made during a community baraza that brought together members of six community groups, including Orib Cingwa, Nen Gang, Apowegi, Lomule, and Watwero, as well as local leaders, parents, adolescents, and other stakeholders. The meeting aimed to discuss the causes, effects, and possible solutions to teenage pregnancies within the community.

Ms. Aloyo Kavine, the District Focal Person for Reproductive Health Uganda (RHU), said the organization is working closely with district stakeholders and community groups to raise awareness about the negative impacts of early marriage and promote efforts to end the practice.

Kitgum District Vice Chairperson, Hon. Opon Smith, noted that some parents encourage early marriages due to poverty, lack of guidance, and the perception that children are a source of income for their families.

The Assistant Chief Administrative Officer of Kitgum District, Mr. Odong Sam, emphasized that parents have a responsibility to guide and discipline their children to ensure they grow into responsible citizens and secure a better future. He also urged parents to follow up cases of early marriage with the police and avoid accepting bribes that undermine justice.

Mr. Oguti Geoffrey, the Assistant Resident District Commissioner (RDC) for Chua East, blamed parents for contributing to teenage pregnancies by failing to educate and properly guide their children. He stressed that the future of young people would be brighter if the entire community united against teenage pregnancies and early marriages.

Community members unanimously agreed to take an active role in ending teenage pregnancies by reporting cases of early marriage and teenage pregnancy to the relevant authorities for immediate action.

Participants identified several factors contributing to teenage pregnancies, including poverty, forcing children to spend excessive time in gardens instead of attending school, treating children as sources of income, and exposure to material temptations such as smartphones and discos.

The stakeholders resolved to strengthen community awareness, promote education, and work collectively to protect children from early pregnancies and marriages.