Dokolo Deputy Speaker Ongora Raises Alarm Over HIV Prevalence, Gender-Based Violence and Rising Suicide Cases.

What the report says

Dokolo District Deputy Speaker Lameck Ongora has voiced concern about what he described as overlapping public health and social challenges in the district, including HIV prevalence, gender-based violence and reported suicide cases. He made the remarks on Wednesday at a human rights and gender-based violence training held at Dokolo District headquarters and organised by the Centre for Health, Human Rights and Development (CEHURD).

According to Dokolo Post, Ongora said adolescent girls and young women face particular risk of HIV infection because of gender-based violence, sexual exploitation and unequal power relations. He called for stronger community awareness, better access to HIV prevention services and broader efforts to address the causes of vulnerability. He also urged cultural and religious leaders to encourage peaceful conflict resolution, counselling and non-violent responses to family disputes.

The article also quotes Dokolo Assistant District Health Officer Eugine Odongo expressing concern about teenage pregnancies in the district. He said Dokolo Health Centre IV had recently handled surgical deliveries for four teenage mothers, each about 14 years old, over roughly one month. He warned that early pregnancy can bring serious health risks and called for sensitisation, responsible parenting and child protection.

Other speakers at the meeting, including CEHURD project officer Monica Kurwenza and health, education and community services secretary Joel Opota Okuma, stressed the need for collective action, support for survivors and stronger reporting of abuse. The discussion reflects wider concerns in Uganda about HIV prevention, child protection and gender-based violence, especially in vulnerable communities.