By Mike Rwothomio

Believers in the Church of Uganda's Nebbi Diocese were urged to actively teach children about sexual education to help them understand their bodies and navigate real-life challenges.The observance aimed to equip young people with accurate knowledge about their bodies, promote responsible decision-making, and address vulnerabilities to early and unintended pregnancies.

This was During the annual Mary's Day celebrations spearheaded by Mother's Union , where worshippers were strongly urged to take proactive responsibility in delivering age-appropriate comprehensive sexuality education to children and adolescents. 

The special service took place on Sunday, March 22, 2026, at St. Paul Church of Uganda in Goli Central Archdeaconry.

 Prisca Bithum, a health worker and Mothers' Union member from Paidha Town Parish, delivered the keynote message to hundreds of attendees.

She emphasized parental duty in this area, stating “as a parent, have you ever taken time to talk to your children about sexual education, its your role to talk to them and tell them about their body changes and real life experiences.”

Bithum further challenged parents: “don’t leave the responsibilities to teachers in schools alone or their peers, let’s talk to our children and let them know the truth" highlighting how inadequate parental involvement in sexuality education contributes significantly to persistent high rates of adolescent pregnancies in rural communities.

Recently , Samuel Ocaki, District Community Development Officer for Zombo District, referenced official data showing that between 2024 and 2025, the district registered 3,896 cases of teenage pregnancies, derived from antenatal care visits. This figure represents approximately 26.7%, exceeding national averages.

Juliet Atimango, Chairperson and Secretary of the Mothers' Union at St. Paul Church, expressed deep concern over the escalating trend of teenage pregnancies, particularly Zombo District.

She called for "enhanced parental accountability and a fundamental shift in community attitudes toward protecting adolescent girls" 

As guest of honor, Sunday Kayom from MEMPROW (Mentoring and Empowerment Programme for Young Women) also attached to Alur Kingdom Gender department, stressed the need to "prioritize girls' education, foster economic independence for women, and promote hard work as key strategies to combat the issue"

Approximately 25% of girls aged 15-19 have begun childbearing, a figure that has remained relatively stagnant for years, consistent with findings from the 2022 Uganda Demographic and Health Survey.

Rev. Marlon Rupiny, Parish Priest of Paidha Town Parish Church of Uganda, reinforced the message by urging believers to “value girl child” and actively ensure the empowerment of girls and women.

The diocese's advocacy aligns with broader regional efforts in West Nile, including Zombo District, to reduce adolescent pregnancies through retention in education, challenging harmful social norms, and advancing comprehensive sexuality education.

The sexual education innitiave are supported by organizations such as UNFPA and UNICEF, though implementation continues to face challenges including cultural resistance and varying emphases on abstinence-only approaches.

Mary's Day remains a key observance in the Church of Uganda, honoring the Blessed Virgin Mary as an exemplar of faith, motherhood, and Christian service. The event typically includes special liturgies, thanksgiving, and community-oriented activities focused on family strengthening and child protection.

The diocese's call coincides with the district's forthcoming belated Women's Day celebration scheduled for Thursday, March 26, 2026, which is expected to further amplify messages on gender equity and adolescent safeguarding.

Mike Rwothomio is news editor at zoomer Africa your number one grassroot information hub