Teenage Pregnancies Threaten Nebbi’s Netball Talent Pipeline

What the report says

Teenage pregnancies in Nebbi Municipality are undermining efforts to build girls’ netball talent and may weaken the district’s future contribution to Uganda’s national team, the She Cranes, according to sports administrators cited by Nile Post. The concern centers on school-age athletes dropping out of education and leaving the sport before reaching higher competition levels.

The report says local officials believe several factors are contributing to the problem, including peer pressure, poverty, limited parental guidance and a lack of mentorship in schools. Agness Arombu, a Level Three coach with Nebbi Municipal Queens, said she helped arrange sports scholarships for more than 10 girls to study outside the district, but many did not remain in school. She said only one of those students is still continuing her education, while others became pregnant or married and returned home. She also said one standout player had been identified for the Under-18 She Cranes before losing that opportunity.

Kenneth Owachgiu, who has played and coached netball in Nebbi for 13 years, said young players need discipline and stronger guidance to stay focused on both sport and education. Nebbi District Sports Officer Kennedy Anena added that netball’s growth also depends on steady funding and broader stakeholder commitment, not just coaching talent.

The article also cites district records showing teenage pregnancy at 22.1 percent in Nebbi, with higher rates in several sub-counties. UNESCO and UNICEF data are commonly used to show that teenage pregnancy remains a broader challenge in Uganda, affecting schooling, health and participation in community life.