By Amos Ssemuwemba
A 15-year-old girl from Budondo Ward, Northern Division in Jinja City, has been arrested for allegedly procuring an abortion. The juvenile, who was seven months pregnant with twins, is currently detained at Budondo Police Station awaiting prosecution, according to authorities. The incident has drawn significant attention, shedding light on the risks and peer pressure faced by young girls in similar circumstances.
The suspect’s decision to terminate the pregnancy was reportedly influenced by her peers, who warned her of the health risks associated with giving birth to twins at her age. She had initially visited Kyomya Health Centre II for antenatal care, accompanied by a friend, identified as Moureen. The midwife advised her to return the following month for a check-up, but things took a drastic turn shortly after leaving the facility.
While on route home, Moureen allegedly provided the girl with a concoction to drink, which caused her to collapse along the roadside? Concerned passersby rushed her back to Kyomya Health Centre II, where she prematurely delivered two stillborn baby girls. Due to severe bleeding, the suspect was later transferred to Budondo Health Centre IV for further treatment.
Authorities confirmed that a medical scan revealed the pregnancy had been terminated, prompting the girl’s arrest after her recovery. In initial police interviews, the suspect claimed the remains of the stillborn twins were disposed of in a pit latrine at Kyomya Health Centre II. However, police investigations yielded no evidence to support her claim. The suspect later changed her story, stating that the bodies were buried in a nearby sugarcane plantation, but police have yet to locate them.
Kiira Regional Police spokesperson James Mubi revealed that the police are actively searching for Moureen, and two other individuals suspected of aiding in the abortion. The trio remains at large, but law enforcement has intensified efforts to bring them to justice.
The suspect’s mother, in a heartbreaking revelation, said her daughter had dropped out of school in primary six due to constant bullying by classmates over her pregnancy. The family had hoped the young girl would resume her education after giving birth, but peer pressure eventually led to the tragic outcome. The mother expressed deep sadness over the loss, noting that the situation has severely impacted the family.
Psychiatric support has been arranged for the juvenile as she navigates the legal process, with Mubi stressing the importance of handling the case with care to avoid further emotional damage. “The young girl is visibly distressed and regrets the decisions that led her here. Our priority now is to provide her with the support she needs as we continue our investigation,” Mubi said.
The police spokesperson also warned that detectives are working to trace the origin of the concoction given to the girl, emphasizing the risks of such substances being distributed among minors. “Abortion, unless performed to save the mother’s life, is illegal in Uganda. We will ensure that all those involved in this case face the full extent of the law,” Mubi added.
The case continues to highlight the broader issues surrounding teenage pregnancy, peer pressure, and illegal abortions in Uganda. Authorities are urging communities to promote awareness about the dangers of unsafe abortions and to support vulnerable girls to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
Meanwhile, the search for Moureen and her accomplices remains ongoing, as the police intensify their efforts to bring closure to this distressing case.
