By KT Reporter
The Kyabazinga of Busoga, His Royal Highness Gabula Nadiope IV, has urged all school-going children across the Busoga sub-region to resist bad peer influence, warning that such behavior threatens their ability to fully pursue their education.
While addressing students and pupils from various schools at Igenge Palace in Bugembe, Jinja City, the Kyabazinga emphasized that the youth are the backbone of the kingdom’s sustainability and must prioritize education as the key driver for achieving long-term transformation.
The monarch specifically cautioned girls against engaging in relationships at an early age, noting that such distractions shift their focus from essential academic goals to matters of little consequence.
He warned that early relationships often lead to teenage pregnancies, which expose girls to permanent health risks and frequently result in school dropouts, as many teenage mothers lack the necessary support to continue their education.
In his address, the Kyabazinga also called on young learners to avoid drug abuse, describing it as a significant threat to sobriety and sound decision-making.
However, the Kyabazinga stressed that combating such vices is a collective responsibility that requires the involvement of parents, teachers, community leaders, and other stakeholders.
As the UN’s Goodwill Ambassador Against Teenage Pregnancies, the Kyabazinga reiterated his commitment to nurturing a generation of morally upright and empowered children.
He highlighted the importance of his flagship campaign “Abasadha nhe’mpango”—literally translated as “men are the pillars”—which urges men and boys to form advocacy groups focused on keeping girls in school and safeguarding their futures.
The Kyabazinga also encouraged teachers to remain proactive in instilling positive morals among learners, given their unique ability to shape young minds. He said that consistent teacher engagement can prevent not only teenage pregnancies but also reduce the rising cases of school dropouts.
He further challenged educators to develop innovative and lasting solutions aimed at addressing the root causes of teenage pregnancies and educational attrition.
Nasabu Nantale, Busoga Kingdom’s Minister of Education, noted that the sub-region continues to struggle with low literacy levels, largely due to widespread school dropouts.
She said that in partnership with UN agencies such as UNICEF and UNAIDS, the Kingdom has rolled out sensitization campaigns throughout Busoga, equipping cultural leaders, students, and other stakeholders with best practices to ensure children remain in school-URN. Give us feedback on this story through our email: kamwokyatimes@gmail.com
