During the celebration of International Women’s Day 2026 in Uganda, Kayunga District emphasized the urgent issue of lacking a functional ambulance at Bbaale Health Centre IV, which endangers the lives of expectant mothers. The event, themed "Scaling up Investment to Accelerate Access to Justice for All Women and Girls," highlighted maternal health concerns while health workers pointed out the critical infrastructure gap affecting emergency services.

Unsafe abortions are leading to fatalities, as highlighted by the case of 16-year-old Sharon Namyalo, who faced an unplanned pregnancy and resorted to dangerous methods to terminate it, nearly losing her life. Experts are advocating for improved reproductive health education to prevent such incidents, particularly among teenagers in Uganda.

On International Women’s Day 2026, leaders in Kayunga District, Uganda, emphasized the importance of long-term economic independence for women, moving beyond short-term relief measures. The event, held at Bbaale Health Centre IV, focused on maternal health awareness while promoting financial empowerment. National Women’s Council Chairperson Hajjat Faridah Kibowa urged women to reduce their dependence on their husbands and embrace economic opportunities.

Health workers in Uganda are advocating for expanded age-appropriate sexuality education for girls to help reduce the incidence of unsafe abortions. During a Media Café organized by the Health Journalists Network Uganda (HEJNU), Joyce Najjemba, a nursing officer at Mulago Specialised Women and Neonatal Hospital, emphasized the importance of this education in addressing the high number of unsafe abortions reported in the country.

Police have been urged to take action following the report of 296 pregnancies among girls aged 10 to 14 in the Western Cape. This alarming statistic has raised concerns about the welfare and safety of young girls in the region.

Authorities in Amudat District have attributed the increase in teenage pregnancies and early marriages to the annual Lopeikiret courtship dance. They warn that this cultural practice, which occurs between October and December, is exposing girls aged 13 to 18 to early sexual activity and forced marriages. District leaders and health workers have raised concerns about the implications of the dance on the youth.