By Nathan Eyagu

SERERE: The Iteso Cultural Development Foundation (ICUDEF) has launched a new community-driven initiative aimed at reducing the rising cases of HIV/AIDS and teenage pregnancies in the Teso sub-region.

The initiative, dubbed the “Papa Mama Strategy,” was officially unveiled in Kateta Sub-county, Serere District, an area identified as one of the hotspots for HIV infections and teenage pregnancies. ICUDEF, the development arm of the Iteso Cultural Union, is implementing the program through a clan-based development model that seeks to strengthen family structures and restore parental responsibility.

Speaking during the launch, ICUDEF Executive Director Eriaku Peter Emmanuel said the strategy is designed to reawaken the role of parents in shaping the lives of their children. He explained that “Papa Mama” is an acronym for Paternity Advancement Programme for Ateker (PAPA) and Maternity Advancement Movement for Ateker (MAMA).

“The goal of this strategy is to reinvigorate parents—both fathers and mothers—to take up their cultural and moral responsibilities in raising children. Many of the challenges we are facing today stem from a breakdown in parenting,” Eriaku said.

He noted that research conducted in the region shows that Teso has a higher prevalence of HIV/AIDS and teenage pregnancies compared to the national average, with Serere District and Kateta Sub-county recording some of the highest rates. According to him, factors such as poverty, school dropout, and parental neglect have contributed significantly to the crisis.

The program is being implemented in partnership with the AIDS Information Centre (AIC) in Soroti, with support from international partners. It aims to use existing cultural leadership structures—from district to clan and household levels—to deliver HIV prevention messages and mobilize communities.

Ochogiah Abdalla, Advocacy and Communication Specialist at AIC, described the strategy as a grassroots intervention that integrates health awareness into cultural systems. He said Kateta was deliberately chosen for the launch due to its unique challenges, including its proximity to fishing communities, which are often associated with high-risk behaviors.

“We are focusing on ensuring that HIV prevention messages reach every household through trusted community structures. This approach will help us reach both in-school and out-of-school youth,” Abdalla said.

Dr. Becka Bakashaba Elakuna, Project Director for AIC in the Soroti region, emphasized the urgency of the intervention, citing national statistics that show young people are among the most affected by new HIV infections.

“In 2024, Uganda recorded approximately 37,000 new HIV infections, with 14,000 among young people aged 15 to 24. Of these, the majority were young women. This highlights the need for targeted interventions like this one,” she said.

The launch was presided over by the Iteso Paramount Chief, Emorimor Papa Paul Sande Emolot Etomeileng, who commended ICUDEF and its partners for aligning with national efforts to end HIV/AIDS by 2030. He called on parents and community leaders to take an active role in guiding young people and addressing the root causes of risky behavior.

He also urged families to engage in income-generating activities to combat poverty, which he identified as a key driver of early marriages and school dropouts. Additionally, he encouraged women to participate in productive ventures to support their households and improve child welfare.

Local leaders welcomed the initiative, describing it as timely and necessary. James Amanu, Councilor for Okodo Parish in Kateta Sub-county, said the community is ready to embrace the program and work collectively to address the challenges.

“We acknowledge the situation and are committed to working together. Prevention measures such as HIV testing and responsible behavior must be prioritized,” he said.

The Papa Mama Strategy will initially be rolled out across all sub-counties in Serere District before expanding to other parts of Teso Central Region and eventually the wider Teso sub-region.

Stakeholders expressed optimism that the culturally grounded approach will enhance community ownership and significantly reduce HIV infections, teenage pregnancies, and school dropout rates in the region.

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