CARE Groups Project

In the remote village of Kanikwa, located in Uganda’s Mukono district, the journey of motherhood begins far too early for many girls. Imagine being just 15 years old and already facing the immense responsibility of raising a child. Now, imagine that by the time you turn 20, you have multiple children, all while battling the challenges of growing up in one of the world’s poorest countries.

This is the stark reality for 25% of girls aged 15-19 in Uganda, with more than half of them experiencing repeat pregnancies. Even more alarming is the fact that some mothers are as young as 13 years old. The burdens they carry are profound, from the physical toll of early pregnancies to the emotional and financial strains that come with raising a child while still being a child themselves.

In Kanikwa, the Madaraja Foundation has been a beacon of hope, conducting monthly outreaches to provide essential sexual reproductive health (SRH) services to these young mothers. But the challenges are daunting. The nearest public health facility is 15 kilometers away—a distance that might seem small to some, but for these teenage mothers, it represents a journey fraught with barriers. The cost of transportation alone, often exceeding 10,000 Uganda Shillings (approximately $2.60), is insurmountable for those who rely on the limited support of their families and spouses. As a result, many young mothers miss vital antenatal care visits, putting their health and the health of their babies at risk.

Beyond the logistical challenges, these young mothers face another, more insidious obstacle: stigma. Within their communities and even from healthcare workers, they encounter judgment and discrimination, which creates a climate of fear and apprehension. This stigma forces many to shy away from the care they desperately need, leading to untreated health issues and missed opportunities for support.