Over 3,000 participants, including school administrators, cultural leaders, and development partners, gathered at Igenge Palace in Jinja City for the launch of “Abasadha ne Mpango” (Men are the Pillars)—a new campaign by the Busoga Kingdom in partnership with the United Nations. The initiative aims to engage men in the prevention of teenage pregnancies and early marriages across the region.
Speaking at the launch, Dr. Robin Nandy, UNICEF Country Representative, praised the leadership of the Kyabazinga of Busoga, William Wilberforce Gabula Nadiope IV, and pledged continued support from the UN.
“It is crucial to champion this initiative of fighting teenage pregnancies and early marriages in the Busoga region. This speaks not only to the future of young girls but also to the future communities and the nation at large,” Dr. Nandy said.
The campaign positions men as active agents of change and encourages male involvement in safeguarding girls' futures. The Kyabazinga, who is the face of the campaign, reaffirmed his personal commitment to ending the crisis of early pregnancies in Busoga and across Uganda.
“The main reason we are gathered here today is to find strategies on how we could end teenage pregnancies in Busoga and Uganda at large,” said the Kyabazinga. “I want to reiterate my personal commitment to use our cultural institution and lead the way in strengthening linkages among actors and increase mobilization of stakeholders to create a critical mass that can help to end teenage pregnancies.”
The King also emphasized the importance of education, improved healthcare, and household income as key to transforming the region. “Teachers are key in shaping the future of young people, including myself. We, therefore, honour your efforts in nation building and shaping the future of Busoga children,” he added.
The Prime Minister of Busoga, Joseph Muvawala, pledged to defend the monarchy and strengthen unity among the Basoga people.
The initiative also received praise from school leaders. Deborah Basekanakyo, Headteacher of Wanyange Girls School, welcomed the campaign and expressed readiness to work closely with the Kyabazinga to address the issue.
The Busoga Kingdom’s new approach reflects a growing recognition that male involvement is essential in reversing the rise in teenage pregnancies and early marriages.