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The alarming rise in teenage pregnancies in the country has sparked concern among health ministry officials. According to recent statistics, the number of teenage pregnancies has increased by over 70% in the past year, with the majority of these pregnancies occurring among girls aged 15-17.

During an impromptu monitoring visit by the delegation led by Dr Diana Atwine, the permanent secretary in the health ministry to Kawaala Health Centre IV and Kisenyi Health Centre IV in Kampala, health officials expressed worry about potential health risks associated with teenage pregnancies in the country if not checked.

“Teenage girls who become pregnant are more likely to experience complications during pregnancy and childbirth, such as preterm labour, low birth weight, and foetal distress,” Atwine disclosed.

They are also at a higher risk of developing mental health problems, such as depression and anxiety, during and after pregnancy, she added.

“We need to gather these girls and talk to them before getting pregnant at school-going age because this situation if not checked is going to cause a population explosion in Uganda,” she warned.

The increasing number of teenage mothers seeking antenatal health care services in health centres has thrown the Ministry of Health into panic with limited research statistics to tackle the worrying situation at a preventive level.

“Are all these girls coming from Rubaga Division? Are they coming from settlements in Makerere–Kavule, Bwaise, or Masanafu?” she asked health workers.

After finding out all these research questions, the government shall be in a position to base on available data to design interventions based on researched statistics and tackle it early enough, Atwine suggested.

It was established during the visit last month, that there is little labour monitoring at Kisenyi Health Centre IV with only three (3) doctors tasked to run the facility with an average of 750 deliveries per week.

“When it is a high-risk clinic day, the facility faces a crisis to attend to the teenage mothers seeking antenatal care,” she added.

Dr Henry Gatyanga Mwebesa, the Director General Health Services, expressed concern saying that babies born to teenage mothers are more likely to have low birth weight which can increase their risk of developing health problems such as respiratory distress syndrome, bronchopulmonary dysplasia, and intraventricular haemorrhage.

The increase in teenage pregnancies has also raised concerns about the impact on the girls' education and future prospects, he added.

“Teenage mothers are more likely to drop out of school, which can limit their future job opportunities and earning potential. They may also face social stigma and discrimination, which can further exacerbate the challenges they face,” he said.

Health ministry officials were also concerned about the potential long-term health consequences for the mothers themselves.

“Teenage pregnancies are associated with a higher risk of obesity, hypertension, and diabetes later in life,” Mwebesa revealed.

Dr Prossy Ssemogerere, the in-charge of Kisenyi Health Centre IV, when asked to comment linked the rise in teenage pregnancies to a number of factors, including a lack of access to contraception, inadequate sex education, and societal factors such as poverty and lack of opportunities.

Dr. Prossy Ssemogerere, the in-charge of Kisenyi Health Centre IV showing maternity records of teenage mothers on antenetal care. (Photo by Isaac Nuwagaba)

“In many cases, teenage girls may feel that they have few other options but to become mothers, either due to stressful relationships and family breakdowns,” she suggested.

Kisenyi and Bwaise slums fuelling teenage pregnancies

Teenage pregnancy remains a significant challenge in many parts of the world, particularly in slum areas where poverty, lack of education, and limited access to healthcare services are prevalent.

Dr Paddric Nyanzi, the in-charge of Kawaala Health Centre IV, disclosed that teenage pregnancy rates are high, with studies indicating that one in every four girls aged 15-19 has been pregnant or has given birth.

“Poverty is a significant driver of teenage pregnancy in slum areas. Many families in Bwaise and Kisenyi struggle to make ends meet, and girls may feel pressure to drop out of school and start working to support their families,” he noted.

This can lead to early sexual debut and increased vulnerability to unintended pregnancies, he expressed.

Nyanzi however said that education is a critical factor in preventing teenage pregnancy. “Many girls in Bwaise and Kisenyi do not have access to quality education, which can leave them without the knowledge and skills needed to navigate their sexual health and reproductive choices.”

Dr Charles Olaro, the Director Health Services - Office of the Director of Curative Services, revealed that adolescents in slum areas often face barriers in accessing healthcare services, including reproductive healthcare.

“This can make it difficult for them to receive accurate information about sexual health, contraception, and family planning which can be a burden when it comes to sexuality behaviours,” he stressed.

In some communities, teenage pregnancy is seen as a norm, and girls may feel pressure from their peers and family members to become pregnant to prove a point to their boyfriends or clan members.

“Gender roles and stereotypes can limit girls' opportunities and autonomy, making them more vulnerable to unintended pregnancies,” Olaro added.

He suggested that the only possible intervention would be through education and awareness to change such unwanted societal behaviour.