Central Region Girl Summit 2025 Calls for Urgent Action to End Child Marriages and Teenage Pregnancy in Uganda

Luweero, Uganda — November 7, 2025

The Central Region Girl Summit 2025 took place today at Central Girls Vocational School in Zirobwe, Luweero District, under the theme “The Cost of Inaction to Address the Root Causes of Child Marriages and Teenage Pregnancy in Uganda.”

The event was organized by Touch the Heart Uganda in partnership with Girls Not Brides Uganda (GNBU) member organizations, bringing together education officials, civil society representatives, policymakers, and young people to discuss strategies for advancing girls’ education and empowerment.

Held under the slogan “Re-Entry, Reclaim, Rise,” the summit focused on the need to address the obstacles that prevent pregnant girls and young mothers from returning to school. Although the Ministry of Education and Sports has policies that promote re-entry for these learners, many girls still face stigma, economic hardship, and lack of institutional support, which limits their opportunities for continuing education.

Mr Ian Kikomeko, the Executive director of Touch The Heart Uganda emphasized that tackling the root causes of teenage pregnancy requires collaboration among government institutions, schools, and communities. He noted that the cost of ignoring these challenges affects not only the girls themselves but also the wider society. Mr Kikomeko stated that each girl who leaves school represents lost potential in terms of leadership, innovation, and development.

Uganda continues to struggle with high rates of teenage pregnancy, with national statistics showing that roughly one in four girls aged 15 to 19 has begun childbearing. The Central Region remains particularly affected due to a combination of poverty, limited access to sexual and reproductive health information, and cultural norms that tolerate early marriage. These factors contribute to school dropouts and perpetuate cycles of poverty that limit opportunities for young women.

Throughout the summit, speakers and participants examined the underlying factors that drive early marriage and teenage pregnancy. Sessions included panel discussions, policy dialogues, and personal testimonies from girls who have experienced early motherhood. Participants highlighted that social stigma, gender inequality, and limited access to education continue to challenge progress, even as government and civil society actors work to implement supportive policies.

Ms. Nankunda Hope, a member of Girls not brides , moderated a panel of four children , 3 girls and one boy and also spoke about the importance of community support for re-entry initiatives. She said that success stories of girls who return to school after giving birth demonstrate that education after motherhood can transform lives.

The panelists encouraged schools, parents, and local leaders to create enabling environments that help young mothers rebuild their futures and also gave testimonies which some were victims of early pregnancies.

The summit’s discussions emphasized that every girl should have access to education regardless of her circumstances. Participants called for stronger enforcement of re-entry guidelines, increased funding for vocational training, and public awareness campaigns aimed at changing negative community attitudes toward young mothers.

At the close of the summit, stakeholders reaffirmed their commitment to work together in promoting gender equality and expanding educational opportunities for girls across the Central Region. The event concluded with a collective pledge to support policies and programs that ensure all girls can complete their education and participate fully in Uganda’s development.