'85% of Kasese teenage mothers at risk of C-section'

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A staggering 85% of teenage mothers in Kasese district face caesarean deliveries due to complications linked to early pregnancies, New Vision Online has learnt.

The October 24, 2025, revelation by Enabel, a Belgium-based organisation partnering with the Uganda government to address health and education challenges, exposes a growing crisis in maternal health, particularly among underage mothers. This was during an annual school club convention at Kasese Secondary School.

William Mubiru, the Enabel Uganda portfolio manager and representative of Belgian ambassador to Uganda Chantry Hugues, shared data from recent hospital visits. At Rukoki Community Hospital, he reported that 14 teenage mothers under 18 underwent C-sections in a single day, with many more awaiting surgeries.

William Mubiru, the portfolio manager at Enabel-Uganda speaking during the school club convention at Kasese Secondary School. (Photo by Samuel Amanyire)

The problem extends beyond Kasese’s main hospitals. At Nyamira Health Centre IV, 70% of the 1,180 deliveries recorded since January involved teenage mothers under 18.

“These are children who often drop out of school, perpetuating a cycle of vulnerability,” Mubiru added.

Leading teenage pregnancy pack

Faisal Bagumira, Kasese’s District Probation and Senior Welfare Officer, revealed that Uganda’s national teenage pregnancy rate stands at 23%, with Kasese leading the pack at 27%. He urged parents to utilise the 72-hour rule, a protocol allowing minors involved in sexual activity to access emergency contraception or medical care without immediate legal or social repercussions.

“Parents prioritise dowry and Police reports over their children’s safety,” Bagumira said. 

“Many fail to report incidents, leaving girls exposed to life-threatening pregnancies.” He stressed that timely intervention could prevent school dropouts and maternal health risks.

The welfare officer condemned parental neglect, noting that delayed reporting often forces underage mothers into unsafe deliveries. 

“These girls deserve support, not stigma,” he said.

Maternal deaths

The revelations also come on the heels of reports of a spike in maternal deaths and prenatal losses in Kasese district. 

During a district health review meeting in Kasese municipality on September 30, 2025, officials said 22 women died during childbirth and 488 prenatal deaths occurred in the 2024/2025 financial year. The statistics was described as unacceptable by district health officer (DHO) Dr Amon Bwambale.

“We’re struggling to find solutions,” he said, stressing that maternal and infant survival is important for the district’s future. 

He called for collaboration across sectors to address the crisis, noting, “without healthy mothers and babies, the foundations of our communities, churches and cultural institutions crumble.”