By KT Reporter
The absence of open discussions about sexuality is the major cause of the high rate of early pregnancies in Uganda, according to Youth MP and State Minister for Mineral Development, Phiona Nyamutoro. “We have for too long feared and ignored talking about matters of sexual rights, and it is probably not too far to assume that this is why we continue to see high rates of teenage pregnancies and sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV),” Nyamutoro said.
She was speaking at the inaugural Brave Girls Festival held at Namrwodho Primary School in Nebbi District. The event, aimed at enhancing the protection of young females against sexual abuse and gender-based violence, was organized by the Protect SRHR (sexual and reproductive health and rights) Project consortium—comprising the International Rescue Committee (IRC), Reach A Hand Uganda (RAHU), Humanity & Inclusion, and World Vision. Nyamutoro delivered a passionate call for open dialogue on SRHR and pledged to champion girls’ empowerment initiatives in the region. She urged communities to normalize conversations about sexual and reproductive health in homes, schools, and community spaces, citing lessons from the COVID-19 pandemic when cases of teenage pregnancy and gender-based violence surged.
As part of her commitment, the Minister pledged to support SRHR clubs, centers, and school-based lessons to equip young people with knowledge about their rights. The festival brought together young people, parents, cultural and religious leaders, and policymakers to discuss urgent issues around SRHR.
Speaking on behalf of the consortium, Modest Kinawa, Project Lead of Protect SRHR, underscored the festival’s role in amplifying girls’ voices and creating collective solutions. “‘Young, bold, and connected’ is more than a slogan—it’s an invitation for us to see the people of Nebbi and West Nile not for the challenges they face, but for the boundless potential they hold,” Kinawa said.
“Together as a consortium, we are committed to reducing preventable maternal deaths, teenage pregnancies, and early marriages by ensuring girls have access to education, health services, and supportive communities,” she added.
Parents were urged to embrace “intentional parenting and breaking toxic circles” that fuel teenage pregnancies. The festival also featured testimonies from young people, highlighting the urgency of investing in education, mentorship, and community-driven interventions to protect and empower girls.
Introducing the theme, “Young, Bold & Connected: Reimagining Our Potential,” SRHR Technical Specialist Sheila Kasabiti stressed the need to challenge harmful cultural norms, bridge the digital divide, and create safe spaces for girls to thrive. The Brave Girls Festival is part of the Protect SRHR Project, a joint initiative of IRC, Humanity & Inclusion, World Vision, and RAHU. The consortium is dedicated to advancing sexual and reproductive health and rights in Uganda by working with leaders, families, and young people to reduce early marriages, preventable maternal deaths, and gender-based violence.
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