MP blames parents for rising teenage pregnancies in Matungu

Matungu MP Oscar Nabulindo has raised an alarm over the rising cases of teenage pregnancies in his constituency, blaming parental neglect and lack of accountability for the worrying trend.

Speaking at Emuberi Primary School during a groundbreaking ceremony for new infrastructure, Nabulindo urged parents to take their responsibilities seriously and ensure their children, especially girls, are in school and not forced into early marriages.

“Parents must stop turning a blind eye when their children engage in early marriages or relationships that lead to pregnancies.Some are even encouraging it, which is unacceptable. We will not tolerate anyone found impregnating school-going girls,"said Nabulindo.

Nabulindo noted that the spike in teenage pregnancies is threatening the success of free basic education in vulnerable communities like Matungu.

He called on the Ministry of Education and relevant government agencies to channel more support to children from disadvantaged backgrounds who are at greater risk of dropping out of school due to poverty, early marriage, and lack of proper guidance.

“If free education is not supported with the right structures and if parents fail in their duty, we will see more young girls dropping out of school. That is how poverty cycles continue,” he said.

During the event, the legislator issued a cheque worth Sh 4.5 million to support the construction of new classrooms at Emuberi Primary School.

He emphasized that education remains a key priority for his leadership and encouraged parents to fully embrace schooling as a long-term investment in their children’s future.

“Let’s take our children to school. It is not just the government’s responsibility, it is a collective one,” he added.

He urged parents, teachers, and local authorities to unite in curbing the trend.

The MP warned that those found culpable of impregnating minors will face the full force of the law, stating that his office will work closely with local administrators and police to ensure justice is served.

“We must protect our children at all costs. It begins at home,” he concluded

Nabulindo’s remarks come at a time when several counties in Western are grappling with increasing numbers of teenage pregnancies, particularly during school holidays and exam seasons.