As the long third-term holiday stretches on, parents and guardians across Uganda are being urged to take an active role in safeguarding their children—particularly teenage girls, who remain vulnerable to early pregnancy, exploitation, and sexually transmitted infections, including HIV/AIDS.
The call comes following the story of Juliette Engola, whose personal experiences highlight the risks children face without guidance, protection, and open communication at home.
Engola was born in Loro Village, Oyam District, and spent part of her childhood in Kenya after her family fled Uganda during the regime of former president Idi Amin. The family later returned to Uganda, where her father worked at Uganda Airlines, providing a comfortable life for the family.
“My family lived in exile during Idi Amin’s rule. We returned to Uganda when life stabilised. My father worked as a marketing manager at Uganda Airlines, and we lived comfortably,” she recalled.
Despite these early challenges, Engola pursued her education in Kampala, attending East Kololo Primary School and Buganda Road Primary School. Her life shifted again after the fall of the Tito Okello Lutwa government, when her father lost his job during Uganda Airlines’ privatisation, forcing the family back to Oyam District.
Engola later became chairperson of the Oyam Cooperative Union, but her teenage years were marked by personal hardship. While studying at Trinity College Nabbingo, she became pregnant during Senior Four, an experience she attributes to misplaced trust.
“I trusted someone I shouldn’t have. I later realised I was pregnant, but I returned to school and completed my exams. No one even noticed during pregnancy checkups,” she said.
At 17, she gave birth while living with her elder sister after misunderstandings at home led her father to send her away. “I didn’t even understand what was happening in the labour ward. I simply felt tired until the midwife told me to push,” Engola recounted.
Despite these challenges, Engola rebuilt her life and is now an entrepreneur and trainer. She believes her experience underscores the importance of parental involvement, particularly during school holidays.
Community members are echoing her message. Julius Muyanja, a senior mechanic in Mulago, Kampala, urged parents to engage teenagers in practical skills over 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,” he said.
Others called on the Uganda Communications Commission to strengthen monitoring of social and mainstream media, citing concerns about young people’s exposure to explicit online content.
Businessman Katongole Collins also highlighted the need for peace ahead of the general elections on 15 January 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 remains a stark reminder of the challenges facing many Ugandan teenagers. Community leaders and parents alike are being urged to practise active parenting, mentorship, and vigilance throughout the holiday period.
