Teenage mothers across Uganda are angry about schools that kick out pregnant students. These young women say such actions take away their right to learn and make their lives harder. The anger comes after a medical training school in Jinja expelled Sarah Namukisa because she was pregnant. The Equal Opportunities Commission ordered the school to take her back after the Uganda Law Society complained.
Sophia Walakwhile got pregnant during COVID lockdowns when schools were closed. When schools reopened, her old school refused to let her return because of her pregnancy. Other schools also turned her away. She wondered if her child would ever get to study if pregnant students cannot go to school. London College Nansana finally accepted her and she finished with good grades.
Celestine Mugenyi faced the same problem at age 17 before her final exams. Her school found out she was pregnant during health checks and sent her home. She had to bring her parents to discuss the situation. After having her baby, she sold food on the street and later completed her education through adult classes.
Parliament member Sarah Opendi says schools should not expel pregnant girls. Many become pregnant without knowing what happened to them. Day schools should allow pregnant students to continue learning if they want to finish their studies. The government needs to focus more on preventing teenage pregnancy and punishing those responsible.
Statistics show 25 percent of teenage girls become pregnant in Uganda. Almost half the population is under 18 years old. One in four girls aged 15 to 19 has started having children. About 22 percent of girls aged 14 to 18 leave school because of pregnancy but only 8 percent ever return to classes.
Sophia Walakwhile got pregnant during COVID lockdowns when schools were closed. When schools reopened, her old school refused to let her return because of her pregnancy. Other schools also turned her away. She wondered if her child would ever get to study if pregnant students cannot go to school. London College Nansana finally accepted her and she finished with good grades.
Celestine Mugenyi faced the same problem at age 17 before her final exams. Her school found out she was pregnant during health checks and sent her home. She had to bring her parents to discuss the situation. After having her baby, she sold food on the street and later completed her education through adult classes.
Parliament member Sarah Opendi says schools should not expel pregnant girls. Many become pregnant without knowing what happened to them. Day schools should allow pregnant students to continue learning if they want to finish their studies. The government needs to focus more on preventing teenage pregnancy and punishing those responsible.
Statistics show 25 percent of teenage girls become pregnant in Uganda. Almost half the population is under 18 years old. One in four girls aged 15 to 19 has started having children. About 22 percent of girls aged 14 to 18 leave school because of pregnancy but only 8 percent ever return to classes.
