SURVIVING COMPLICATIONS OF UNSAFE ABORTION; NABWIRE’S JOURNEY TO HEALING AND HOPE
Nabwire (Not their real name), a vibrant 16-year-old girl from Busolwe sub-county, Butaleja district, lived with a heavy and life-threatening secret for over two months. As a primary six pupil with limited access to Sexual and Reproductive Health (SRH) information, faced the unimaginable challenge of teenage pregnancy. Overwhelmed by fear, the desire to continue pursuing her education, and societal stigma, she attempted an unsafe abortion that left her with complications including a perforating uterus. Too scared to speak out, she endured the pain in silence, unsure where to turn for help.
Nabwire is just one among many adolescents in Butaleja, a district that has persistently grappled with high rates of teenage pregnancy and unsafe abortion practices largely fuelled by limited access to SRH information and services. According to the 2024 Uganda Health Demographic Survey released by UBOS in March 2024, the Bukedi region, which includes Butaleja, has the highest rate of teenage pregnancy standing at 25.1%. Additionally, a report published by the Daily Monitor on March 5, 2021, revealed that 5,200 teenagers in Butaleja had been impregnated for over two years.
Unlike many other out of school girls, Nabwire is lucky to be in a school where certainly chances for support occasionally appear. Her life took a positive turn when A Little Bit of Hope Uganda (ALBO), a local Community-Based Organization (CBO), visited Busaba Project Primary School where she attends classes. They were conducting SRH sessions at the government-founded Primary school as part of their work plan implementation for the Youth Champions Challenging SRH Stigma Project under the Uganda Youth and Adolescent Health Forum, funded by CEHURD. Through the interactive discussions on menstruation and teenage pregnancy, ALBO facilitators created a safe and supportive space where young girls could openly learn, share their experiences, and find hope and that is where the already pain-stricken Salama gained the courage to open up.
“I remember sitting in that first session and feeling like they were talking directly to me,” says Salama. “They didn’t judge anyone but encouraged us to speak up and seek help when we need it. That gave me the courage to attend the next session.” Nabwire explained in her local language.
Inspired by the openness of the peer facilitators and the compassionate approach of the senior woman teacher, Salama finally found her voice. She confided in the senior woman teacher about her ordeal.
“Nabwire’s bravery moved me deeply,” says Ms. Hamba Esther, the senior woman teacher. “Many girls suffer silently, but through these sessions, they begin to realize they are not alone, and there is help available. When Salama shared her story, we immediately acted to ensure she received the medical care she needed.”
She was taken to Busolwe Hospital, where she received post-abortal care. The medical intervention saved her life and marked the beginning of her journey toward recovery.
Today, Nabwire is thriving and has big dreams for her future. “I want to become a nurse and help other girls like me,” she says with a confident smile. “If it wasn’t for those sessions, I don’t know where I’d be. They saved my life.”
Nabwire’s story signifies the power of extending SRH sessions closer to young people at the grassroots.
“Seeing girls like Nabwire find their strength and hope again is why we need this kind of community intervention,” says Rachael, a peer facilitator with ALBO Uganda. “By holding many and regular sessions, we will break the silence and stigma around sexual and reproductive health issues, but one session at a time.”
Through the Youth Champions Challenging SRH Stigma Project, Nabwire not only found healing but got a platform to amplify her voice and her story inspires other young girls to speak out, seek help, and pursue their dreams.