By Phillips Opio
Kumi-Teso sub-region has been ranked highest in cases of teenage pregnancies and early marriages all over the country.
According to statistics from Uganda Demographic Health Surveys and Uganda Bureau of Statistics, Teso has the highest teenage pregnancy rate with 31% compared to the national average, which stands at 25%.
Also, 7% of girls aged 10-17 years are said to be in child marriage in the sub-region.
Speaking during the National Population Day celebrations held in Kumi Booma grounds on Monday, Christine Apolot, the district Woman Member of Parliament expressed concerned about this trend and called upon all stakeholders to join hands to avert it.
She wants both girls and boys to interest themselves in understanding the dangers of early pregnancies and marriages.
Prime minister Robinah Nabbanja, who officiated at the event appealed to parents in Teso to embrace Parish Development Model for economic transformation other than marrying off young girls as a way of generating income in households.
