Teenage pregnancy remains a big challenge in Uganda, with about 1 in 4 girls aged 15–19 already pregnant or having had a child. This affects their health, education, and future opportunities. Last week, SRHR Alliance Uganda reached 80 teenage mothers in Mayuge and Namayingo districts; young women whose lives have been shaped by sexual and gender-based violence, offering them renewed hope and practical skills for a better future.
Through a two-day training under the Accelerated Actions for Transformation of Youth SRHR (ACT4Y-SRHR) project, supported by Dioraphte, 40 participants from Mayuge and 40 from Namayingo were equipped with important knowledge in Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR), along with practical skills in economic empowerment and financial literacy. The goal of the project is to support already disadvantaged young women make informed decisions, rebuild their lives, and move toward financial and ultimately personal independence
For many teenage mothers in Namayingo and Mayuge; daily life is marked by hardship translated into Early pregnancy, gender-based violence, and lack of income leaving them dependent on others for survival, often exposing them to further abuse and deepening cycles of poverty.
One participant shared her story of resilience; After becoming pregnant, she was forced to drop out of school and was later sent away from home, With nowhere else to go, she entered an unsafe relationship with an older man who was also struggling financially, only to experience further violence. Her story reflects the reality faced by many young women in similar circumstances in the districts of Namayingo and Mayuge.
Recognizing that financial challenges often make these situations worse, the training placed strong emphasis on economic empowerment and financial literacy. Participants learned practical, life changing skills such as budgeting, saving, and starting and sustaining small businesses. These lessons are more than just knowledge; They are tools for survival and growth. We believe that With better financial skills, teenage mothers shall be in position to support themselves and their children, rely less on others, and reduce their risk of further exploitation.
As financial literacy facilitator Ms. Christine Namusisi shared during the sessions, “Saving should be consistent, not only when you have extra money. This will help you invest in the future and grow your business.”
Beyond skills building, the training also provided something equally important; It created a safe and supportive environment for Participants to openly share their experiences, learn from one another, and begin to rebuild their confidence in a world that seems written against them. Through group discussions and practical exercises, we explored solutions to common challenges and formed peer support networks; These connections will form a support system post the training, helping them feel supported and stay connected within their communities.
Local leaders also shared important advice on planning for the future. Mr. Kyamusana Aliyi, the Deputy Chief Administrative Officer of Mayuge District, and Mr. Gonza Bulamu, the Senior Probation Officer of Namayingo District, encouraged the teenage mothers to make full use of the opportunities available to them.
They encouraged teenage mothers who are able to return to school to take that step. They also talked about government programs like the Youth Livelihood Fund and the Parish Development Model PDM emphasizing the importance of registering their groups so they can access these government initiatives and programs. They reminded participants that while projects may come to an end, there are still long-term opportunities they can benefit from the investment made in the community.
Looking Ahead
The Programmes Manager, Ms. Margaret Nannyombi, highlighted that SRHR Alliance Uganda remains committed to supporting these young women even after the training. Upcoming activities include mentorship programs to support them through the processes, follow up support to offer psychological and financial advise, Tuseme safe spaces to reinforce the safe spaces, and health camps in Mayuge and Namayingo to help more young people access SRHR information and services.
In addition, selected groups of teenage mothers will receive startup capital to help them begin small businesses; a crucial step towards helping them become financially independent and stable. We believe that When teenage mothers are supported with knowledge, skills, and opportunity, the impact goes beyond just one person. They are able to take better care of their children, rebuild their confidence, and play a positive role in their communities.
Investing in young women is not just an act of support, it is a step toward building stronger, more resilient communities. This is at the heart of our vision of a society where all young people can make informed SRHR choices, and our mission to strengthen SRHR partnerships and networks that promote young people’s SRHR.