Katakwi, Uganda – December 10, 2025 – Katakwi District authorities have raised alarm over a growing surge in adolescent pregnancies among primary school girls, following the release of the 2025 statistical report that highlights a concerning upward trend.
According to the District Education Department, at least 23 girls from 14 primary schools became pregnant this year, marking a significant increase from fewer than 14 cases recorded in previous years. The report, issued in a letter dated November 28, 2025, indicates that the affected pupils are between Primary Four and Primary Seven, underscoring the urgent need for intensified child protection interventions across the district.
The breakdown of the report shows the extent of the challenge. Alengo St. Paul Primary School recorded three cases among Primary Seven girls, Olilim Primary School also had three, while BT Angerepo Primary School reported three cases as well. Other schools with reported pregnancies include Odoot, Acanga, Apuuton Toroma, Akurao, Amusai, Akwamor, Alogook, Apeero, Nazareth, Aparisa Usuk, and Okuda Primary Schools, with cases ranging from one to two per school. Notably, Amusai Primary School reported a Primary Four girl among the affected, highlighting that even younger pupils are not immune to the problem.
Officials describe the rising numbers as a clear indication that many young girls are slipping through the cracks of community, parental, and institutional protection systems. Betty Angiro, Senior Probation Officer at Katakwi District Local Government, attributed the spike to several factors, including parental neglect and the uncontrolled exposure of children to digital platforms.
“Many parents are not monitoring what their children access on smartphones, yet these gadgets have exposed young girls to risky behaviours and sexual exploitation,” Angiro said. She emphasized that the misuse of digital technology has contributed significantly to the vulnerability of adolescent girls, especially when coupled with limited parental guidance.
Angiro further highlighted the role of cultural practices, such as early marriages motivated by dowry, in exacerbating the issue. “Some parents continue to support early marriages, driven by the prospect of receiving dowry. This practice not only violates the rights of children but also contributes to teenage pregnancies and Gender-Based Violence in the district,” she noted.
The district authorities are calling for urgent action to address the crisis. They urge parents and guardians to take a proactive role in monitoring their children’s activities, report any cases of child abuse or exploitation to relevant authorities, and support community initiatives aimed at protecting young girls.
Local leaders are also being encouraged to intensify community sensitization programs, focusing on the dangers and long-term consequences of early pregnancies. By educating families and young girls, authorities hope to prevent further cases and reduce the risk of adolescent mothers facing social, health, and economic challenges.
Education officials stress that addressing the surge in teenage pregnancies requires a multi-pronged approach involving schools, parents, local leaders, and civil society organizations. Providing guidance, strengthening child protection mechanisms, and promoting awareness on sexual and reproductive health are among the critical measures needed to curb the alarming trend.
The rise in teenage pregnancies not only impacts the educational progress of affected girls but also has broader social and economic implications for the community. Authorities warn that without immediate interventions, more young girls will continue to face early motherhood, disrupting their education and limiting their future opportunities.
Katakwi District officials have pledged to work closely with schools, parents, and community leaders to implement child protection strategies and create safe environments for pupils. Through these efforts, they aim to reverse the rising trend and safeguard the rights and well-being of the district’s youngest residents.
