Teen Busoga mothers find hope and strength through skills training

Joyce Namukose*’s life took a dramatic turn at the age of 13 when her mother forced her to leave due to an abusive marriage. Her father continued to pay school fees until he remarried in 2019, but the mistreatment of his new wife forced Namukose, at the age of 15, to seek refuge in marriage.

“Life has been difficult, especially during the Covid-19 lockdown. I got pregnant in 2020 and faced more suffering,” Namukose said.

After giving birth, her husband abused her, leaving her homeless and helpless. Now, at 20, Namukose is a single mother of two.

Namukose’s story is not unique. Carol Rebbecca Gladys, another teenage mother, faced similar issues after failing to advance to the advanced level in 2018. Her husband’s mistreatment led her to consider suicide.

“I faced numerous challenges while struggling to meet my basic needs,” Gladys said.

Both Namukose and Gladys found solace in the skills training programs offered by Walk with Me Ministries, a religious institution that supports vulnerable communities.

“I learned how to sew different dresses thanks to Walk with Me Ministries,” Gladys said, proudly holding her fashion and design certificate.

Ms. Mastullah Nalumansi, another single teenage mother, graduated in hairdressing. “My mother insisted I join and now I am happy,” she said.

Ms. Namyalo Hatiika, Director of Walk with Me, highlighted their mission to empower teenage mothers. “We work with single mothers to provide training to improve the skills they need to lead the life they want.”

The organization has trained over 700 teenage mothers in 15 villages, of which 103 have recently graduated in hairdressing and salon management, as well as fashion and design.

The Busoga sub-region is struggling with high teenage pregnancy rates, with 18.8% recorded in the 2023/24 financial year. Ms Namyalo is calling on the government to support victims of teenage pregnancy.

“Empower school dropouts mentally and financially to control birth rates and improve quality of life,” she said.

Bishop Robert Sityo encouraged the graduates to practice their skills and seek further knowledge. Community leaders reiterated the need for start-up capital to enable graduates to earn a living.

“These people need help, especially capital, to practice what they have learned,” they said.

Through skills training, these teen mothers are reclaiming their futures, breaking cycles of suffering and building generations of hope.