NWOYA DISTRICT LAUNCHES CHILD PREGNANCY PREVENTION ORDINANCE

Child pregnancy in Nwoya District remains a significant challenge at 28% exceeding the national average of 24%. This issue has far-reaching impacts on the health, education, and socio-economic development of the community. The high rate of child pregnancy and school dropout has become a growing concern, particularly among young girls. With over 2,300 child pregnancies recorded annually. Child pregnancies disrupt education, perpetuate cycles of poverty, and contribute to gender inequality, severely limiting the opportunities available to young girls and future generations.

In response, the Nwoya District Council considered developing the Child Pregnancy Prevention Ordinance 2025 aimed at addressing the high rates of child pregnancies in the district. The ordinance saught to implement comprehensive strategies for prevention, education, and support for affected individuals. Following a thorough review and integration of feedback from the first hearing, the 2nd Council Hearing to ensure that the bill was robust, inclusive, and actionable, the Bill was submitted to the office of the Solicitor General at the Ministry of Justice and Constitutional Affairs for final passing of the bill into law. 

Upon the passing of the ordinance, Nwoya district considered launching the Child Pregnancy Prevention Ordinance 2025 to the people of the district during the celebration of the International Women’s Day. In the presence of the Minister of State, Office of the President Economic Monitoring, Hon. Beatrice Akori Akello, the entire district administration, women led organisations of persons with disabilities, adolescent Youth, and partners operating in Nwoya district, this was a great opportunity to launch the ordinance and create awareness to this audience. 

Speaking at the Launch, a SCI trained Youth Advocate Amono Hilda, who played a pivotal role in the development of ordinance said “Many young mothers face significant barriers to returning to school, which worsens the situation and reduces their ability to reach their full potential. Young mothers also face barriers in accessing healthcare services, including maternal and child healthcare. My hope is that the ordinance will create a protective shield to girls that are affected such that they can easily access services and the support they need”.

Hon. Beatrice Akori Akello, the Minister of State, Office of the President Economic Monitoring said, “I congratulate Nwoya District for this milestone in the fight for the wellbeing of children in our community. I acknowledge that this ordinance is one of a kind since its the first Child Pregnancy Prevention Ordinance in the whole Uganda.” The rest of the district in Uganda should consult from Nwoya and emulate this ordinance because child protection is a national issue and requires a National wide response”.

Since the Lauch of the Ordinance, Nwoya district council led by the District Probation Officer have embarked on creating awareness through the district sub-counties and town councils through community dialogues. This exercise will go-on throughout the month of March and April 2025.