Teen mothers champion women’s day with Safe Path Foundation

Teenage expectant mothers and young girls in Kabango Town Council in Masindi District marked International Women’s Day with Safe Path Mothers Foundation during an event held on 8 March 2026.

The event was organized to empower women to work hard and to sensitize young girls about the dangers of early pregnancy and child marriage. Activities included free HIV testing conducted by staff from The AIDS Support Organization at Masindi Hospital, a drama performance highlighting the dangers of early pregnancy, and discussions where women shared ideas and experiences.

The Local Council One Chairperson of Kabango East, Solomon Ntenga, welcomed guests and appreciated Safe Path Mothers Foundation for extending voluntary services to the community.

He said initiatives such as free HIV testing, provision of mama kits for teenage mothers, encouraging girls to remain in school, supporting women’s economic empowerment, and distributing sanitary pads are vital for the community.

Ntenga called on women to invite others who had not attended the event, particularly teenage expectant mothers, so they could also benefit from the programs organized for Women’s Day.

During an open discussion on the causes of teenage pregnancy and child marriage, Esther Ntenga said many young girls admire lifestyles they cannot yet afford. She noted that the desire for items such as fashionable clothes, cosmetics, and hairstyles often pushes some girls to seek relationships with older men who provide financial support.

She also blamed the lack of parental guidance, noting that some parents fear discussing sexual and reproductive health issues with their children.

“Previously children would return from school discussing what they had learned in class. Today many return talking about relationships,” she said.

Esther advised parents to build strong relationships with their children so that they can communicate freely. She also urged parents to work closely with teachers to monitor children’s behavior and progress in school.

The head teacher of Kabango Primary School, Ms Madiina, said many girls lack basic necessities such as sanitary pads because of poverty in their families.

“As a school we guide and counsel girls about their rights and educate them about the dangers of early pregnancy. We also provide sanitary pads but our population is too large to meet the demand,” she said.

She added that the school has introduced training for girls to make reusable sanitary pads but lacks adequate materials.

Madiina appealed to Safe Path Mothers Foundation and other partners to support the school with sanitary pads and materials for producing reusable ones.

Jovia Oyungi from RDP Uganda said the organization advocates for the rights of women and children.

She explained that the organization works with local authorities to ensure children remain in school. When children are found at home during school hours, RDP Uganda engages parents to understand the reasons behind absenteeism.

Oyungi said the organization also works with government to address infrastructure gaps in schools by advocating for additional classrooms where student populations exceed capacity.

She warned parents against forcing girls into marriage after becoming pregnant, noting that many young couples lack the capacity to sustain a family.

Innocent Turyahikayo, Dean of Students at Kabalega College Masindi and Chief Executive Officer of Talking Communities, praised women for their resilience and role in supporting families and communities.

He called for policies that protect women’s businesses and incomes, noting that women play a critical role in supporting households.

Turyahikayo also urged women to pay attention to their mental health and avoid excessive stress by engaging in activities that help them relax.

He encouraged young girls to take education seriously and make use of government programs that support schooling.

Miss Bunyoro 2026 Queen Swabra Katusiime also attended the event and encouraged women to believe in their potential.

She described a woman as a Warrior, Opportunity, Multiplier, Ambitious and Nurturer, emphasizing that women should respect themselves and pursue opportunities that can improve their livelihoods.

Katusiime encouraged women to take advantage of government initiatives such as the Parish Development Model and Emyooga to strengthen their economic independence.

Karen Asiimwe, Miss Tourism 2023 to 2024 and a brand ambassador for Girls Not Brides, said the organization works with communities to fight child marriage and teenage pregnancy.

She said statistics show that 34 percent of girls become pregnant before the age of 18, while seven percent become pregnant before the age of 15.

“As girls we must learn to do the right thing at the right time and remain focused on our goals,” she said.

Karen also called for policy reforms to make menstrual products more affordable for girls.

Kabango Town Council Local Council Three Chairperson Elect Richard Oyomtho thanked Safe Path Mothers Foundation for organizing the event and supporting the community with free HIV testing, sanitary pads and mama kits.

He encouraged girls to focus on education and avoid early sexual relationships that may disrupt their future.

The event concluded with the distribution of sanitary pads to pupils of Kabango Primary School and mama kits to teenage mothers.

Safe Path Mothers Foundation is a community based nonprofit organization based in Masindi Municipality and led by Sherifa Nabuule. The organization supports girls aged between 14 and 19 who become pregnant by providing mama kits to promote safe delivery and by encouraging families to allow the girls to return to school.

The foundation also educates girls about the dangers of early pregnancy and child marriage, trains women to make reusable sanitary pads, and promotes vocational skills such as hairdressing and tailoring for young women who choose alternative career paths.