Concerns over increasing teenage pregnancies and defilement cases in Nakapiripirit District have sparked calls from parents and local leaders for a broader approach to accountability, including holding both boys and girls responsible when minors engage in sexual relationships.
The concerns were raised during a police baraza organized by the International Justice Mission at Namalu Police Station, where residents linked the trend to changing behavior among teenage girls, increased mobile phone use, and nightlife activities.
Angelina Longes, a resident of Namalu Trading Centre, says many girls are increasingly ignoring parental guidance and engaging in secret relationships.
She adds that some girls sneak out at night to disco halls and later become pregnant, leaving parents to blame, despite being unaware of the relationships.
Judith Akol says the problem is particularly severe among secondary school students, noting that parents often discover relationships only after pregnancy.
Some community members, including elder Luke Loduk, argues that both parties should be held accountable in cases involving minors.
Deborah Grace Atai, Officer in Charge of the Child and Family Protection Unit at Nakapiripirit Central Police Station, emphasizes that child protection remains a shared responsibility between parents, communities, and law enforcement.
She clarifies that under Ugandan law, if both parties are below 18 and engage in sexual activity, both can be held accountable, but if one party is an adult, it constitutes defilement.
Atai urges parents, especially mothers, to take a more active role in guiding and protecting their children.
By URN
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