ICFP 2025
Empowering Adolescent Mothers in Kampala: A peer-led initiative to improve Sexual and Reproductive Health outcomes through Young Mothers’ Clubs
Adolescence is a critical stage of growth filled with both promise and vulnerability. Yet, across the world—and especially in Uganda—many young people face challenges that threaten their health, education, and future. With adolescents making up nearly 35% of Uganda’s population, the high rate of teenage pregnancies remains a pressing concern. One in every four girls aged 15–19 is either pregnant or has already given birth, a situation that significantly contributes to the country’s maternal health challenges. These pregnancies are often linked to unprotected sex and limited access to reproductive health information and services, resulting in unsafe abortions, birth complications, and school dropouts. Beyond the physical risks, adolescent mothers face social stigma, limited support, and economic hardships that make recovery and reintegration difficult. This article explores these realities, shedding light on the underlying causes, the impact on young lives, and the urgent need for collective action to support adolescent girls toward a healthier and more empowered future.






