About Us
Uganda is ranked as the 9th Hot spot of child/teenage marriage in the world. Teenage pregnancy is estimated at 24% with regional variations.
This increases to 34% in the poorest households. 34.8% of the Uganda’s population are adolescents and there has been an increase of teenage pregnancies to 25% which is nearly 3 out of 10 teenage girls between 15-19 years who get pregnant or are already mothers. 1 in 10 teenage girls are married off before they are 15 years according to the ministry of health. (twitter@softpowernews Paul Ampurire, November 26th 2018).
Uganda is predominantly patriarchal society with high levels of strong negative socio-cultural stereotypes among the communities , many of these stereotypes aggravate gender inequality against girls and women. In rural areas, 24% of girls experience early pregnancy compared to 16% of wealthier households and 21% of urban girls (UNICEF, 2020).
Teenage pregnancy profoundly affects girl’s life trajectories. It hampers their psycho-social development, contributes to poor health outcomes for girls and their offspring’s, negatively affects their educational and employment opportunities, and contributes to the perpetuation of inter-generational cycles of poor health and poverty culminating to gross domestic violence for the teenage mothers.
Many of the mothers are victims of sexual abused or abusive relationships which causes the family members to throw them out because the girls can’t speak out. As Smile Again Families Uganda, we operate a safe shelter for some homeless teenage mothers and others are supported from within the community through solidarity groups.
Our Strategic Objectives
- To sensitize the public about teenage pregnancy and enroll the teenage mothers into formation programs.
- To restore hope for victims of teenage pregnancy and Socially re-integrate them into the community.
- To empower the teenage mothers with self sustainable livelihood skills development.
Mrs. Stella Ritah Nabukera
Co Founder
My name is Stella Ritah co-founder Smile Again Family Project, married with 5 children. I am a trained pastoral worker, pursuing a Master’s degree in John Paul 2 studies from St. Thomas University, Houston, Texas. I have a Master’s degree in Development Studies which pushes me to bring development where it is not. I am passionate about community development, helping people to discover their true identity and potential. I seek out opportunities to give hope and encouragement to those who have given up, emotionally and practically through counseling and giving life skills trainings. I like to support them in bringing their beauty to the world because they have been created for more. I desire to see them become self–sustained by having start-ups.
Fred Mugagga
Co Founder
My name is Fred Mugaga Ssentamu. I was raised in a humble family with 7 siblings. I am an Electrical Engeneer, and I am married with five children. My top spiritual gifts are Faith, Creative communication and Craftsmanship. I am very passionate about young marriages and families.I have served the church with the youth office in Masaka Diocese as a missionary. I passionately work with Smile Again Family Project as Co Funder and field office for the last nine years.