The Alur Kingdom, a traditional cultural institution in Nebbi District, Uganda, is advocating for the revival of youth fireplace gatherings, known as Kaoi Pa Aradu, to help reduce teenage pregnancies in the district. This traditional method involves elders and young people sitting around a fireplace in the evenings to discuss moral growth, relationships, and sexuality. The kingdom believes that the loss of such traditional spaces for intergenerational dialogue has contributed to the prevalence of teenage pregnancies.
The call for revival was made during a youth fireside event, dubbed "Kaoi Fireside Conversations," held at Kaal Pawong Palace in Alur Kingdom on September 22, 2026. The event was organized by a consortium of civil society organizations, including Reach A Hand Africa, the International Rescue Committee, Humanity and Inclusion, and World Vision, supported by the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands. Prince Ochaya Orach Vincent, Deputy Prime Minister and Executive Director of Alur Kingdom, emphasized the importance of such gatherings in addressing teenage childbirth.
Prince Ochaya noted that youth fireplace gatherings help shape and strengthen the family, which is a starting point for addressing childbirth among young people. He argued that traditional gatherings encouraged one-on-one conversations with young people, allowing elders to openly discuss issues such as sex education, relationships, and behavior. The loss of such spaces, he attributed to cultural erosion, has contributed to challenges including teenage childbirth.
The event was attended by various dignitaries, including Chief Rwoth Justino Opar, Owachgiu Donald, Assistant Resident District Commissioner, and Japierwo Ronnie, LC III Chairman of Central Division, Nebbi District. Chairman Japierwo noted that such engagements previously helped address behavior, which contributed to lower levels of teenage pregnancy. He mentioned that, on average, at least two percent of girls become pregnant every year across the six schools in Central Division in Nebbi District.
Albert Ongom, Reach A Hand Africa's Programme Officer in Nebbi District, highlighted that teenage pregnancy remains a significant concern in the district and is linked to increasing HIV risks. He said the engagement aimed to understand how communities around Kaal Pawong traditionally handled issues affecting young people and what lessons could be drawn from those practices. Issues such as parental neglect and the exclusion of persons with disabilities from conversations around sexual and reproductive health and rights were also discussed.
Some young people, however, find it difficult to listen to their parents due to the manner in which conversations are handled. Onyuthi Brian, a youth participant, noted that some parents return home after drinking and speak to their children in a harsh or confrontational manner, making young people reluctant to engage with them. The 2022 Uganda Demographic and Health Survey reported that 23.5% of girls aged 15–19 had already begun childbearing, with 18.4% having had a live birth and 5.1% pregnant with their first child.
The Alur Kingdom's initiative seeks to leverage traditional practices to address a pressing issue affecting the district. With the persistence of teenage pregnancies, stakeholders are exploring innovative approaches to mitigate the problem. The revival of youth fireplace gatherings is seen as a potential solution to foster dialogue and guidance for young people. Key stakeholders are optimistic that this initiative will contribute to reducing teenage pregnancies and improving the well-being of young people in the district.
Key points
- The Alur Kingdom is pushing for the revival of traditional youth fireplace gatherings to address the rising teenage pregnancies in Nebbi District.
- The initiative aims to leverage traditional practices to foster dialogue and guidance for young people.
- Teenage pregnancy remains a significant concern in Nebbi District, with 23.5% of girls aged 15–19 having already begun childbearing, according to the 2022 Uganda Demographic and Health Survey.
