The Isebantu Kyabazinga of Busoga, William Gabula Nadiope IV, has been appointed as a UNAIDS Goodwill Ambassador to lead the fight against teenage pregnancy in Busoga and Uganda. This pivotal campaign will address the root causes of teenage pregnancies, including poverty, lack of parental involvement, and limited access to reproductive health services.
The Kyabazinga, known for his commitment to Cultural, social and economic transformation, will lead efforts to involve men and Boys in Busoga and Uganda in tackling these challenges in a campaign dubbed ” ABASADHA NE’MPANGO (MEN ARE THE PILLARS) to inspire men to take charge and change the narrative of the negative development indicators in the region.
Studies have shown that children thrive best when men are actively engaged in parenting and family leadership.
The announcement was made by Owekitiibwa Haji Osman Ahmed Noor, the 2nd Deputy Prime Minister of Busoga Kingdom and Head of Partnerships, during a radio talk show, Omunaala, on 87.7 Baba FM, hosted by Ibrahim Shamiru Byakika. The appointment aligns with UNAIDS’ broader mission to achieve zero new HIV infections, zero AIDS-related deaths, and zero discrimination globally.
The campaign also addresses many of the UNs SDGs (SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS) and will therefore be supported by all UN AGENCIES and other partners.
UN Partners in the Fight Against Teenage Pregnancy
This campaign will be supported by UNAIDS in collaboration with 11 UN agencies, each focusing on different aspects of reducing teenage pregnancies in Uganda.These agencies include :
- UNHCR
- UNICEF
- WFP
- UNDP
- UNFPA
- UNODC
- UN Women
- ILO
- UNESCO
- WHO
- The World Bank
These organizations will work together to address key issues such as poverty, education gaps, access to reproductive health services, and harmful social norms that perpetuate early pregnancies and child marriages.
A Vision for Transformation
“ This campaign seeks to strengthen the family unit in Busoga as a foundation for cultural and economic growth as envisioned by His Majesty The Kyabazinga and Inhebantu,” Owekitiibwa Osman emphasized.
Key Drivers of Teenage Pregnancy to be Addressed Include :
- Parenting Gaps: Addressing absentee and uninvolved parenting, especially by fathers.
- Poverty and Unemployment: Tackling the economic pressures that contribute to early marriages.
- Food Insecurity: Alleviating risks associated with economic hardships.
- Globalization and Harmful Content: Managing adolescent exposure to inappropriate information.
Official Launch and Medical Services
The Kyabazinga’s official appointment will be a joint partnership between Obwakyabazinga bwa Busoga (Represented by KI) and the 4 main UN Agencies UNAIDS, UNFPA, WHO, UNICEF plus USAID. The event is slated for Friday December 13, 2024, at the Busoga Kingdom Headquarters, coinciding with Uganda’s celebration of International Men’s Day. The event jointly organised by Uganda”s ministry of Gender Labour and Social Development and Ministry of Health, will host representatives from the 11 UN agencies, cultural leaders local leaders, religious figures, and media professionals.
In addition to the formal proceedings, the public is invited to receive free medical services, including :
Health education
TB screening
HIV/AIDS counselling and testing
Prostate cancer screening, among others
Kyabazinga Initiatives (KI) Takes the Lead
The campaign will be spearheaded by Kyabazinga Initiatives (KI), an organization established in 2023 in the office of the king, Kyabazinga, to drive strategic interventions for the development of Busoga.
KI will work closely with, the kingdom structures, UN agencies and other partners to ensure the success of this initiative and many other projects that benefit the public.
A major public awareness campaign, Abasadha ne’Mpango, will be launched early next year to engage stakeholders and communities more deeply in this cause.
Birthday Celebrations and Masaza Cup Final
His Majesty is pleased to celebrate his 36th birthday on December 14, and 15th 2024, featuring a royal Banquet at Igenge Palace and the final match of the MTN Busoga Masaza Cup respectively.
The strictly by invite Banquet will start at 2pm and will feature unveiling of BUSOGA UNITED FC by FUFA to his majesty the Kyabazinga.
The Sunday 15th final match is between Butembe and Bukono at Bugembe Stadium at 2 pm. On the same day, a friendly match between Busoga United FC and the Uganda Cranes will cap off the festivities.
Owekitiibwa Haji Osman Ahmed Noor urged the public to attend the MTN BUSOGA Masaza Cup Final on December 15th“ I urge all people of Busoga to join us at Kyabazinga Stadium Bugembe for this historic match as we celebrate not only the Kyabazinga’s birthday but also the strength and unity of Busoga through sports ,” he said.
Entrance is 5000 cash and 2000 via MTN momo pay.
A Legacy of Leadership
Kyabazinga William Gabula Nadiope IV’s new role as UNAIDS Goodwill Ambassador reflects his unwavering commitment to improving the lives of young girls and boys, strengthening family values, and empowering communities. This partnership with UNAIDS and other UN agencies marks a significant step toward reducing teenage pregnancies and fostering a brighter future for Busoga and beyond.
The public, especially the men (Empango dha Busoga) is urged to support his majesty as he embarks on this noble cause as champion.
