As the long third-term holiday continues, parents and guardians across Uganda are being urged to take greater responsibility in protecting their children, especially teenage girls, who remain vulnerable to early pregnancy, exploitation, and sexually transmitted infections, including HIV/AIDS.
This appeal follows a personal testimony by Juliette Engola, whose life story serves as a cautionary tale about the risks children face when there is insufficient guidance, protection, and communication at home.
A Personal Story of Displacement and Advocacy for Peace
Engola was born in Loro Village, Oyam District, and raised partly in Kenya. Her family fled Uganda during the regime of former president Idi Amin when she was about eight years old. They settled in Kuro Village, where most of her younger siblings were born. Engola’s family returned to Uganda after Amin’s regime ended, and life began to stabilize. Her father worked as a marketing manager at Uganda Airlines, and they lived comfortably.
Her early experiences of displacement have greatly influenced her advocacy for peaceful elections and nonviolent political transitions. Engola firmly believes that a stable, peaceful society is essential for protecting children and families.
From Academic Dreams to the Hardships of Teen Pregnancy
Engola attended East Kololo Primary School and later Buganda Road Primary School while her family lived in Kololo. However, her life changed dramatically after the fall of the Tito Okello Lutwa government. Following the privatization of Uganda Airlines, her father lost his job, and the family returned to Oyam District.
Despite facing these challenges, Engola became the chairperson of the Oyam Cooperative Union. However, her personal life took a painful turn while still a student at Trinity College Nabbingo, where she was pursuing O-Level studies. During her third term of Senior Four, Engola became pregnant, an experience she attributes to misplaced trust.
“I trusted someone I shouldn’t have. I later realized I was pregnant, but I returned to school and completed my exams. No one even noticed during pregnancy checkups. I passed well despite everything,” she recalled.
Her dream of becoming a lawyer faded as misunderstandings at home worsened her situation. A cousin falsely told her father that she no longer wanted to continue to A-Level. This led to her being chased away from home at just 17 years old, forcing her to live with her elder sister. At this point, she gave birth to her child.
“I didn’t even understand what was happening in the labor ward. I simply felt tired until the midwife told me to push,” she recounted.
Rebuilding Life and the Importance of Parental Involvement
Despite these setbacks, Engola rebuilt her life and became an entrepreneur and trainer. She emphasizes the importance of parents staying closely involved in their children’s lives, especially during the school holidays. She believes that the active participation of parents in their children’s lives can help prevent risky situations and provide the support young people need.
Her testimony has prompted renewed calls for parents to engage more constructively with their children, ensuring they provide guidance and mentorship.
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Encouraging Parents to Expose Teenagers to Practical Skills
Julius Muyanja, a senior mechanic in Mulago, Kampala, has also emphasized the importance of exposing teenagers to practical skills during the holidays. “Let your children work with you. Whether you are a carpenter or a mechanic, take them along and teach them skills. Leaving them home with television and phones only exposes them to harmful influences,” Muyanja said.
Other members of the public have called on the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) to strengthen monitoring of social and mainstream media content. The increased exposure of young people to explicit material online has raised concerns. While social media can be a valuable tool for learning, business, and positive engagement, it needs to be properly regulated to ensure its benefits outweigh its risks.
Protecting Children and Advocating for Peace
Businessman Katongole Collins echoed these sentiments, calling for peace ahead of the general elections scheduled for January 15, 2026. “Election violence can force families into exile, just like what happened to Engola’s family. We must protect our children and our country by choosing peace,” he said.
Engola’s story continues to resonate as a powerful reminder that many teenagers, especially girls, face risks that can shape the rest of their lives. Community leaders and parents are being encouraged to practice active parenting, mentorship, and vigilance during the holiday period.
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