Kyabazinga decries teen pregnancies

The Kyabazinga of Busoga, William Gabula Nadiope, has decried the high rate of teenage pregnancy and child marriage in Busoga region.

He said the lockdown, aimed at controlling the spread of the coronavirus in the country, has been blamed for the rampant teenage pregnancies in the kingdom.

He made the remarks while addressing subjects during his sixth coronation anniversary at the Igenge Royal Palace in Bugembe, Jinja city on Sunday.

Speaker of Parliament Rebecca Kadaga was the chief guest.

The Kyabazinga said teenage pregnancies and child marriages are most prevalent in the districts of Luuka, Buyende, Kaliro and Namayingo.

He instituted a committee to make a child protection policy.

It is expected to be followed while sensitising parents and other stakeholders about the dangers of teenage pregnancies and child marriages. It is expected that the sensitisation will reduce the escalating vice.

Before his speech, the Kyabazinga was ushered in at his royal tent by Busoga culture minister Richard Mafumo after sounding two of the royal drums at the palace.

Kadaga requested MTN Uganda to support Busoga in its development programmes.

She urged Mafumo to organise and profile information about the royal drums in Busoga and other regalia.

The information is expected to be distributed in various schools of Busoga, so that students learn about them.

She re-echoed the Basoga's call of constructing the Ambercourt-Budondo- Buzaya-Mbulamuti-Bukungu road.

Artistes like Kadabada, Navio and Rachael Magoola, entertained guests at the function.

Present were Busoga Kingdom prime minister Dr Joseph Muvawala, his deputies Prof. Dr. Muhamadi Lubega and Osman Noor Ahmed.

Others included Busoga Royal Concepts' chairperson Prof. Waswa Balunywa, the Chief Prince of Busoga Samuel Menhya Zirabamuzale, hereditary chiefs, Busoga Kingdom ministers, Members of Parliament from Busoga and clan heads.