Lamwo Parents Under Spotlight as Community Battles Rising Teenage Pregnancy Risks

30 September 2026, 11:19 am

By Isaac Olweny

Parents and community leaders in Lamwo District have been urged to strengthen parental supervision, improve communication with adolescents and increase fathers’ involvement in sexual and reproductive health education to address teenage pregnancies.

The call was made during a community dialogue held on September 29, 2026, in Apyetta North Village, Ogili Sub-county, where residents identified inadequate parental supervision, poverty, food insecurity and school dropout among the factors contributing to teenage pregnancy.

The dialogue was conducted by Reproductive Health Uganda, in partnership with ADRA Uganda, under the STRENGTH Project, which promotes community engagement on sexual and reproductive health, gender equality and household wellbeing.

During the discussion, participants raised concerns about harsh communication between parents and adolescents, early and unsupervised mobile phone use, and the involvement of some girls in domestic work as housemaids.

Participants also observed that prolonged dry spells and crop failure have worsened household food insecurity, while the inability to provide scholastic materials and menstrual hygiene supplies may contribute to school dropout and increase adolescents’ vulnerability.

The community dialogue further highlighted limited involvement of fathers in educating their children, particularly daughters, on sexual and reproductive health, with participants calling for shared responsibility between mothers and fathers in parenting and protecting children.

The meeting recommended that parents adopt respectful, non-judgmental communication, monitor their children’s academic and social wellbeing, and work closely with schools and community leaders to support adolescents at risk of dropping out.

Meanwhile, stakeholders in Ogili Sub-county called on Reproductive Health Uganda to orient newly elected and appointed local leaders on the STRENGTH Project to strengthen community awareness and mobilization efforts.

The dialogue used a participatory approach that allowed community members to present and challenge different views on the causes of teenage pregnancy before identifying possible solutions.

It’s also noted that continued community engagement, increased male involvement and collective action by parents, schools and local leaders will be important in addressing teenage pregnancy and improving adolescent wellbeing in the area.