Terego MP Calls for Stronger Action to Curb Teenage Pregnancies

The Woman Member of Parliament for Terego District, Hon. Rose Obigah, has called for stronger community and institutional action to address teenage pregnancies, child marriage, and teenage motherhood in the district. 

Obigah made the call on Wednesday, September 30, 2026, during an intergenerational dialogue held at Legu Grounds in Terego District, bringing together young people, parents, community leaders, health workers, local government officials, and other stakeholders.

The dialogue was organized under the PROTECT Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) project, which seeks to strengthen community action around adolescent sexual and reproductive health and related challenges.

In her address, Obigah called for the temporary suspension of daytime discos and earlier closure of night markets, arguing that some of these environments may expose children and adolescents to situations that increase their vulnerability to early sexual activity and teenage pregnancy.

She said local authorities had already issued a circular concerning discos and pledged her support for its enforcement. Obigah also questioned the operation of some night markets late into the evening, particularly where children accompany their parents.

She proposed that night markets in the district close by 6:30pm, alongside increased public education on teenage pregnancy prevention.

The call comes amid continued concern over teenage pregnancy in Terego and the wider West Nile region.Data from the Terego District Health Management System, presented during a PROTECT SRHR performance review, showed that the district's teenage pregnancy rate declined from 21% to 20% between September and December 2025.

The press release notes that the Terego figure should not be directly compared with the 14.6% figure reported for West Nile in the 2022 Uganda Demographic and Health Survey, because the two figures measure different indicators.

Beyond community restrictions, Obigah called for stronger adolescent-friendly health services across the district.She directed the District Health Officer to establish youth-friendly corners in health facilities, where adolescents can access appropriate information and services.

She also called for increased engagement with young people in schools and communities, saying adolescents should be given space to speak about the challenges they face.The MP said discussions involving parents, schools, and young people should focus on finding common ground and practical solutions.

The intergenerational dialogue was held under the PROTECT SRHR project, a four-year program running from 2024 to 2028 and supported by the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Uganda.

The project is implemented by a consortium comprising the International Rescue Committee (IRC), Reach A Hand Africa, Humanity & Inclusion, and World Vision Uganda, working with district local governments.

It operates across six West Nile districts and focuses on improving access to sexual and reproductive health and rights services, strengthening education systems, transforming harmful social and gender norms, economic empowerment, and inclusive governance.

The Terego dialogue provided a platform for young people, parents, leaders, health workers, and other stakeholders to discuss the causes of teenage pregnancy and identify community-based responses.

Organizers emphasized that sustained cooperation among families, schools, health workers, local governments, cultural and religious leaders, civil society organizations, and young people will remain important in addressing teenage pregnancies and improving adolescent well-being.

Story: Aldo ADOMATI - Dailywestnile.info