Advertisement

Catholic Activists in Africa Call on Uganda to Stop Planned Contraceptives among Children

Credit: CitizenGo Africa

Catholic activists in Africa under their umbrella organization,CitizenGo Africa are rallying for support to stop the plan by Uganda’s health docket to give contraceptives to 15-year-olds.

Dr. Charles Olaro, a director at Uganda’s ministry of Health disclosed that the ministry was considering a proposal to allow children as young as 15 years to access contraceptives, and information on sexual and reproductive health “without stigma, discrimination, or judgment.”

The move, CitizenGo Africa says, is “shocking” and may lead to a surge in early pregnancies and sexually transmitted infections in the East African nation.

“Contraception for 15-year-olds?” CitizenGo Africa poses in its Friday, March 15 petition, and adds, “How can we justify this? Who will educate them about the potential side effects? And who will bear the burden of consequences when things inevitably go awry?”

According to CitizenGo Africa, Mr. Olaro’s pronouncements have left the Ugandan nation “in a state of disbelief and anger.”

Advertisement

The Ugandan government official’s decision, activists say, sends “a perilous message” that they say seems to normalize sexual activity among children.

The Catholic activist foundation describes Mr. Olaro’s endorsement as “not a mere fleeting impulse. It is a plunge into the depths of health hazards, moral pandemonium, and societal disarray.”

“Olaro's endorsement carelessly disregards the potential health risks associated with the use of contraceptives by minors. It blatantly undermines the rights of parents and tramples upon the sacred customs that define Ugandan culture. Such a decision is unequivocally unacceptable,” CitizenGo Africa says, and adds, “It is our duty to hold Mr. Olaro accountable, ensuring that the Ministry of Health is not blinded to the well-being and dignity of all Ugandans.”

And now, the government official must be stopped, the Catholic activist entity says, and adds, “We cannot succumb to the erosion of our moral, ethical, and cultural values… Let's come together and demand Charles Olaro's resignation.”

“Time is of the essence, for every moment that elapses brings with it greater repercussions. We must act decisively and without delay,” CitizenGo says, and adds, “Ugandan youth are teetering perilously close to the edge, and it is our responsibility to pull them back from the precipice. We must seize control of the narrative and shield our young generation.”

More in Africa

Agnes Aineah is a Kenyan journalist with a background in digital and newspaper reporting. She holds a Master of Arts in Digital Journalism from the Aga Khan University, Graduate School of Media and Communications and a Bachelor's Degree in Linguistics, Media and Communications from Kenya's Moi University. Agnes currently serves as a journalist for ACI Africa.