The Teso South Deputy County Commissioner (DCC), Willy Cheboi has expressed concern over the high number of teenage pregnancies within the Sub-County.
Speaking during the official launch of Odeng’ero Dispensary in Amukura central Ward on Monday, Cheboi said that a total of 97 girls have been impregnated by different people, including the elderly men, fellow youth and boda boda riders, since the closure of schools due to the COVID 19 pandemic.
“Currently we are still profiling the affected girls to know where they were learning and who are responsible for their pregnancies,’ he said adding that parents should take their roles seriously.
Cheboi blamed men for abdicating their roles to their wives, adding that his team is currently investigating 20 pregnancy cases.
“Once completed we will take them to court,’ he said adding that an elderly person and two teachers have been taken to court in connection with pregnancies
He lauded the courts for having released the suspects on bond ranging between Sh. 300,000 to 800,000.
“I want to urge elders from the Teso community to respect the girl child,” he said adding that it is common practice for elderly men to stay with young girls at Kaliwa junction during odd hours.
The DCC further noted that intimate relationships were taking place without the knowledge of parents, pointing out an incident at Ojaamong secondary school where a Form one student impregnated a form three student.
“It will be very shameful to find that the number of girls reduce as schools reopen,” he said.
By Salome Alwanda
