170 teenagers impregnated in 35 days of lockdown in Amuru Subcounty

170 cases of teenage pregnancies have been registered in Amuru Sub County, in Amuru district alone, within 35 days of the second lockdown.  

The development was established in a survey conducted by the African Medical and Research Foundation (AMREF) Uganda, a non-governmental organization in partnership with Amuru Sub County through the Village Health Team (VHT).  

According to Albert Ladaa, the Assistant Community Development Officer in Amuru Sub County, most victims are in primary five and six aged between 15 and 17 years.

The report also implicates parents for neglecting their roles and duties in protecting young girls and children from abusers.

According to David Ocira the Amuru Sub County LC 3 Chairperson, the number captured by the survey is far less because many more cases are neither reported nor documented.   

He added that the Sub County has embarked on massive awareness creation on the protection of young girls and children against abusers while several culprits have been arrested in connection to teenage pregnancies and many are still on the loose.

Amuru registered 620 cases of teenage pregnancies during the first 21 days lockdown in Mrch 2020, according to a report from the Human Rights Focus. In total, Acholi Sub Region registered 4,062 cases of teenage pregnancies.  

Rwot Onen David Acana II, the Acholi Paramount Chief, condemned the perpetrators of teenage pregnancies and teen marriages, blaming the vice on economic hardship, lack of parental care and guidance arising from the lockdown.