Busoga, Uganda – William Gabula Nadiope IV, Isebantu Kyabazinga of Busoga, has been appointed a UNAIDS Goodwill Ambassador to lead the fight against teenage pregnancy in Uganda, a major step in addressing the many social and economic challenges faced by the country, especially the Busoga region.

The campaign, “Abasadha ne’Mpango” (Men are the Pillars), was meant to address root causes of teenage pregnancy: poverty, absentee parenting, and a lack of access to reproductive health. The initiative also aims at involving men and boys in the reshaping of societal norms through encouraging active roles in parenting, leadership, and community building.

Busoga’s Teenage Pregnancy Crisis

Busoga has remained one of the regions with a high rate of teenage pregnancies and child marriages in Uganda. In an interview, Haji Osman Ahmed Noor, the 2nd Deputy Prime Minister of Busoga Kingdom, Head of Partnerships, said the campaign is needed because it helps strengthen the core family units in the region.

“This is in line with his majesty’s vision to effect cultural, social, and economic change in Busoga,” he revealed.

A Multi-Agency Approach

The campaign is supported by UNAIDS and 11 UN agencies, including UNICEF, WHO, UNFPA, and the World Bank. Together, these will tackle issues like poverty, lack of education, limited access to reproductive health, and damaging social norms which are forcing girls into early pregnancy and child marriages.

It also aligns with the SDGs set by the UN and supports UNAIDS’ mission for zero new HIV infections, zero AIDS-related deaths, and zero discrimination.

Key Campaign Highlights

The program has a focus on:  

• Strengthening family structures: Encouraging fathers to be more actively involved in parenting.
• Economic empowerment: Address the financial pressures leading to early marriages.
• Education and awareness: Training adolescents in how to avoid harmful information on social media.
• Healthcare access: Availability of public health services around HIV counseling, TB screening, and prostate cancer checks.

Upcoming Launch and Celebrations

The campaign will officially kick off on Friday, December 13, 2024, at the Busoga Kingdom Headquarters, marking a day of Uganda’s International Men’s Day, with free public medical services and community engagement activities.

The launch will also be graced on the Kyabazinga’s 36th birthday with a royal banquet at Igenge Palace on December 14, 2024. Celebrations will move to December 15 with the MTN Busoga Masaza Cup final at Bugembe Stadium and the unveiling of Busoga United FC followed by a friendly match with the Uganda Cranes.

A Call for Unity

The leadership of Kyabazinga reminds that men and boys are more concerningly aware of their role in creating a positive societal change. His commitment to empowering Uganda’s youth and strengthening family values is testifying to his vision for the betterment of Busoga and the whole nation.

Owekitiibwa Osman Ahmed Noor called on the people to join the celebrations and support the campaign: “Let’s unite as a community to honor His Majesty’s vision and celebrate Busoga’s rich culture and resilience.”

This move is bound to go down in history, since it addresses some of the most sensitive challenges in the region, while encouraging unity and development.