The procedure, involving the complete excision of female genitalia can lead to long-term health
complications during childbirth, such as fistula, continuous urine leakage, and
increases the risk of death during delivery due to early marriage.
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Isabirye explains problems of adoloscent sexual reproductive health
Activists have highlighted that the persistent challenge of
porous borders and cross-border relations hampers the complete eradication of
female genital mutilation (FGM) in the Karamoja region. They emphasize the need
for a regionally integrated approach to tackle this age-old practice.
Addressing the media in
Entebbe on Wednesday, representatives from the Nagguru Teenage Information and
Health Centre (NTIHC) revealed that individuals, either by choice or influenced
by parents, travel to Kenya where FGM services are obtained without legal
repercussions before returning after the healing process.
NTIHC, initially based in
Kampala, focuses on providing sexual and reproductive health information and
services while supporting teenage wellbeing. Sam Asiimwe, NTIHC's head of
programs, and Silas Isabirye, the organization's Monitoring and Evaluation
Manager, explained that these "international" services are often
provided by relatives or known experts residing across the border.
Uganda's legal framework and ongoing advocacy have posed hurdles
for proponents of this practice.
Asiimwe recently visited Bukwo district and
received reports that twenty girls had crossed into Kenya for the procedure.
FGM, perceived as a ritual
marking a girl's transition to marriage, has faced criticism from medical
experts who label it as a dehumanizing act with lasting detrimental effects on
women's sexual, emotional, physical, and health well-being.
The procedure, involving the
complete excision of female genitalia, can lead to long-term health
complications during childbirth, such as fistula, and continuous urine leakage, and
increases the risk of death during delivery due to early marriage. NTIHC's communications
officer, Esther Makula, and Joshua Thembo, in collaboration with the
organization, highlighted FGM as a primary reason for early school dropouts
among girls in the region, leading to interventions supporting these at-risk
girls by ensuring their education and safety.
Isabirye pointed out poverty
as a driver for FGM, citing dowry payment for mutilated girls and the belief
that children from early marriages are considered "wealth." Additionally,
Isabirye addressed the prevalence of teenage pregnancies and early sexual
activity contributing to Uganda's maternal mortality rate and the risk of
HIV/AIDS among youths.
He stressed that access to
information and services remains a challenge for 22% of teenagers due to
information gaps, unfriendly service provision, or stock-outs, exposing them to
risks. In efforts to improve youth services, NTIHC seeks stronger media partnerships
for information dissemination.
Journalists recommended involving them in field visits,
capacity-building, leveraging new media, and publishing periodic adolescent
reproductive health issues to effectively reach and engage young people. Isabirye
mentioned that youths' preferred sources of information include social media,
peers, radio, toll-free calls, health workers, and educational materials.
Mulondo Emmanuel
Fred Kayongo Male
Freelancer