Kampala, Uganda – The Uganda Parliament Forum to End Child Marriage and Teenage Pregnancy (UPFCT) was officially launched today, bringing together stakeholders united in the quest for a Uganda free from child marriage and teenage pregnancy.
The UPFCT envisions to mobilize and engage stakeholders for collective advocacy, legislative action, oversight, and resource allocation to end child marriage and teenage pregnancy in Uganda.
Hon. Speaker Anita Among pledged her support as patron of the forum, emphasizing the importance of education in empowering girls and preventing teenage pregnancy. “The more girls we keep in school, the less cases of teenage pregnancy we will have,” she stressed.
Chairperson Afidra Olema Ronald welcomed the gathering and urged members to engage in initiatives that empower the girl child, protect her rights, and prevent her from falling prey to exploitation. “Let us defend the cause of the girl child and ensure her rights are protected,” he emphasized.
He stressed that the forum aims to bring together various stakeholders to work collaboratively towards a common goal of creating a Uganda free from child marriage and teenage pregnancy.
Ronald’s statement echoes the urgent need for collective action to address the alarming rates of child marriage and teenage pregnancy in Uganda, and the UPFCT’s commitment to driving meaningful change through advocacy, legislation, and resource allocation.
The forum’s launch comes amidst alarming statistics, including 702 cases of teenage pregnancy among girls aged 15-17 in Kabarole alone.
Limited access to reproductive healthcare and exposure to sexual activities before the age of 18 perpetuate the cycle of child marriage and teenage pregnancy.
Laura, a representative from the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), emphasized the collective responsibility to safeguard the well-being of young people.
“We must carry the responsibility to protect young people and create safe environments for them to thrive,” she urged. “It is our duty to ensure they have access to the resources and support they need to reach their full potential.”
Laura’s call to action echoes the UNFPA’s commitment to promoting the health, rights, and well-being of young people, particularly in the context of ending child marriage and teenage pregnancy. By creating safe and supportive environments, we can empower young people to thrive and reach their full potential.
Ugandans expect the forum to drive meaningful change, ensuring targeted implementation and investment in women’s economic activities. The meaningful involvement of children and young people is crucial in ending child marriage and teenage pregnancy.
The UPFCT launch marks a significant step towards a Uganda where girls and children are empowered, educated, and protected from exploitation. As Hon. Among emphasized, “My commitment counts, and together, we can make a difference.”
