Kyabazinga’s new regional alliance to address teen pregnancy, poverty

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The Kyabazinga of Busoga, William Gabula Nadiope IV, has launched the Busoga Regional Multi-Sectoral Partnerships and Accountability Framework for 2026-2030.

This initiative aims to rally government, cultural leaders, development partners, and communities to address critical issues such as teenage pregnancy, youth unemployment, school dropouts, gender-based violence (GBV), poor health, and poverty.

Kyabazinga of Busoga William Gabula Nadiope IV (middle) waving to his subjects as he was arriving at the venue to launch the Busoga Regional Multi-Sectoral Partnerships and Accountability Framework 2026-2030 at Igenge Palace in Jinja City on October 22nd. (Photo by Donald Kiirya)

During the launch, which took place on Thursday, October 23, at Igenge Palace in Jinja City, the Kyabazinga highlighted that Busoga, like many regions in Uganda, is facing interconnected crises that perpetuate a vicious cycle of deprivation and underdevelopment.

He emphasised the need for an urgent, coordinated, and multi-sectoral strategic response.

"We are gathered here today because of several pressing challenges in our region and throughout Uganda. These challenges include teenage pregnancies and child marriages, youth unemployment, school dropouts, and inadequate health services—particularly access to and uptake of sexual and reproductive health services.

Additionally, we are grappling with persistent poverty, poor parenting, and a decline in family and community responsibilities. These issues are not unique to Busoga; they reflect national and global concerns," the Kyabazinga stated.

Laura Lafuente Criado (middle), the Programme Coordinator in charge of Gender and Youth at UNFPA, remarking before the launch of the Busoga Regional Multi-Sectoral Partnerships and Accountability Framework 2026-2030. (Photo by Donald Kiirya)

Kyabazinga, the UNAIDS Goodwill Ambassador focusing on male engagement to end teenage pregnancies, early marriages, and HIV vulnerability in Uganda, launched the "Abasaadha Ne’Mpango" (Men are Pillars) campaign. During the launch, he shared that findings from engagements across Busoga highlighted commendable practices that should be supported through coordinated efforts and accountability.

He stated, "That is the reason I have invited you here, so that we can agree to work together for a more impactful outcome in all that we do."

His audience included representatives from various ministries such as Local Government, Gender, Health, and Education, as well as diplomats from the Swedish and Dutch embassies, and UN agencies including UNFPA, UNICEF, UNAIDS, WHO, and UNESCO.

The delegations from the region consisted of heads from the 12 Busoga District local government sectors, including LCV chairpersons, Resident District Commissioners, Chief Administrative Officers, Police commanders, District Health Officers, District Education Officers, District Production Officers, all District Community Development Officers, members of the Inter-religious Council, cultural leaders, civil society organisations, teachers, and students.

Kyabazinga of Busoga William Gabula Nadiope IV (right) signing on a commitment and endorsement board after the launch of the Busoga Regional Multi-Sectoral Partnerships and Accountability Framework 2026-2030 as Laura Lafuente Criado (left), the Programme Coordinator in charge of Gender and Youth at UNFPA and Busoga Kingdom's Second Deputy Prime Minister Alhaji Osman Ahmed Noor (middle) look on. (Photo by Donald Kiirya)

The Kyabazinga commended stakeholders for endorsing the framework and pledged the Kingdom's commitment in providing a supportive role through the kingdom's village safeguarding committees (Empango dhe Byalo) and the accountability platform established with strategic support from NPA, UNFPA and partners.

"I thank you for the commitments and endorsements of the regional partnership and accountability framework. I want to assure you of our commitment to use our cultural approaches to support government and other stakeholders to mobilise our people and shift mindsets for better development outcomes," the Kyabazinga said.

The UNFPA Programme Coordinator in charge of Gender and Youth, Laura Lafuente Criado, described the framework as a historic milestone for Busoga's children.

"As we gather here to commemorate this significant milestone in launching the Busoga Regional Multi-sectoral Framework 2026-2030, we commit ourselves to a bold, unified, and visionary roadmap that aims to protect the health, dignity, rights, and future of Busoga's children, adolescents, and young people," said Criado.

On behalf of UNFPA Country Representative in Uganda, Kristine Blokhus, and the Swedish Ambassador, she congratulated the Kingdom on the progress made in the campaign since the Kyabazinga was appointed as an ambassador for teenage pregnancy.

"I have been impressed by the progress made over the last year since we began this journey. The engagement of young people in debates on various topics today is a testament to the effectiveness of the Kyabazinga Initiatives program in schools and communities," she remarked.

However, Criado cautioned that the crisis remains severe.

"Currently, over 300 girls in Busoga are becoming pregnant every 24 hours, a situation that has remained stagnant for the last 20 years. Teenage pregnancy does not occur in isolation. A girl forced out of school due to extreme poverty or inadequate menstrual health is significantly more vulnerable to teenage pregnancy. A young mother who experiences violence faces additional risks, including HIV and long-term health trauma," she explained.

Kyabazinga of Busoga William Gabula Nadiope IV (middle) and Laura Lafuente Criado (in blue Gomesi) pose for a photo moment with students and pupils from various schools after launching the Busoga Regional Multi-Sectoral Partnerships and Accountability Framework 2026-2030 at Igenge Palace in Jinja City on October 22nd. (Photo by Donald Kiirya)

She lamented that for too long, interventions have been fragmented, with different players in sectors such as health, education, and justice working in silos, while cultural and religious leaders have been involved only in emergencies.

Criado emphasised that this practice is likely to change under the Busoga Kingdom's leadership, which embraces a whole-of-society and multi-sectoral approach.

"Culture is not a barrier but a shield," she stated.