OTUKE DISTRICT, UGANDA – Monday, November 10, 2025 – A community dialogue in Otuke district yesterday unveiled alarming statistics pointing to a severe crisis of early marriage and teenage pregnancy in Northern Uganda, with nearly half of all teenage girls in the Lango Sub-Region affected.
The data, disclosed during an event organized by Fountain of Life Uganda with support from the Girls First Fund, served as a stark backdrop for the launch of a campaign celebrating eight years of Girls Not Brides Uganda's work. The gathering, held under the theme "The Cost Of Inaction To Address The Root Cause Of Child Marriage & Teenage Pregnancy In Uganda," brought together a diverse coalition of teachers, pupils, district officials, parents, and civil society members.
A Regional Epidemic
The issue is particularly acute in the Acholi and Lango sub-regions, where a complex mix of cultural practices, economic hardship, and the lingering effects of past conflict has created a perfect storm driving girls out of school and into early motherhood and marriage.
Mrs. Molly Akello Bella, Coordinator from Fountain of Life Uganda, revealed that the Lango Sub-Region alone accounts for 22% of the national cases. "This is not just a number; it is the future of our region at stake," she stated, calling for urgent action from all stakeholders in Lango.
The situation in neighbouring Acholi was described as equally dire. Mr. Ochan Geoffrey from Vision for Children & Youth Forum reported that in 2025 alone, more than 16,000 cases of teenage pregnancies were registered across the districts of Gulu, Amuru, Nwoya, Agago, Lamwo, Pader, and Kitgum.
"The prolonged effect of the war in Northern Uganda and limited access to information are key factors fueling this crisis," Ochan explained, demanding a serious and coordinated response from both stakeholders and development partners.
Local Data and Root Causes
Echoing the regional concerns, local officials provided grim figures for Otuke District. Mr. Moses Adyeny, representing the Senior Community Development Officer, expressed deep concern over 1,223 recorded cases of child marriage and teenage pregnancy from January to October 2025.
He identified several local causes, including "girls' relaxation, stakeholder inaction, early marriages, and uninvited attendance at late-night ceremonies."
A Call for Collective Action and Practical Solutions
Throughout the dialogue, speakers emphasized that overcoming this challenge requires a multi-faceted approach and the active involvement of cultural, local, and traditional leaders.
Mr. Patrick Ochero, the Senior Education Officer, outlined practical solutions, including "maintaining peace, comprehensive sexual education, parental guidance, and supporting girls' education."
Emphasizing the role of the family, Mrs. Irene Naiga from ChildFund urged parents to "always show love to their daughters" as a fundamental part of the fight against early marriages and teenage pregnancy.
The District Education Officer, Madam Lucy Acheng, gave specific directives to schools, tasking senior women teachers with sensitizing girls on menstrual cycle management. She also urged headteachers to budget for women teachers, recognizing their critical role in fighting teenage pregnancy within the school environment.
The event concluded with a unified resolve, underscoring the immense cost of inaction and the critical need for a collective, sustained effort to secure a safer, brighter future for the girls of Northern Uganda.
