Elders and cultural leaders in Yumbe, Uganda, have called for a revival of traditional Aringa practices to address rising rates of teenage pregnancies and child marriages, citing historical methods that once prepared youth for adulthood. The conversation, held during the Koi Koi Fireside Conversation organized by the Protect SRHR consortium, brought together community figures to reflect on how cultural systems once guided young people toward maturity and responsibility. Yumbe, a district with one of Uganda’s highest teenage pregnancy rates, recorded over 7,000 cases during the COVID-19 pandemic, with 5,740 cases reported in the 2023/2024 financial year, according to the district’s Health Management Information System (HMIS).
The event, hosted by the Protect SRHR consortium—including the International Rescue Committee (IRC), World Vision, Reach A Hand Africa, and Humanity & Inclusion—aimed to explore how traditional knowledge could inform contemporary strategies to safeguard youth. Deputy Prime Minister of the Aringa Kingdom, Ali Abdli Adaku, emphasized that modern challenges, particularly among teenagers, necessitate a reexamination of how young people were historically raised. He noted that while some cultural institutions face criticism for early marriages, this does not align with Aringa traditions, which emphasized a structured transition to adulthood.
Historically, Aringa culture discouraged early pregnancy, with girls traditionally expected to marry around age 25 after undergoing a preparation process. Adaku explained that this involved family-led discussions where elders imparted lessons on discipline, respect, and responsibility. Boys were guided by uncles and grandfathers, while girls received mentorship from mothers and aunties. These interactions, he said, helped young people understand societal expectations and boundaries. "There is no shortcut," Adaku stated, highlighting the importance of gradual maturity over age alone.
Nuru Ajaga Kambason, Minister for Culture, Wildlife and Community Development in the Aringa Kingdom, described how marriage was once a community-driven process. He recounted that families would negotiate unions only after a girl was deemed mature, with the prospective groom’s father approaching the girl’s family to discuss the match. "People would sit and advise. They would tell you not to make the mistake of going to a husband when you are not mature," Kambason said. This approach ensured that young people were prepared for the responsibilities of marriage, including financial independence and family care.
Kambason emphasized that guidance extended beyond marriage, with young people taught about the consequences of their actions. Parents and relatives closely monitored their behavior, discouraging activities that could lead to unintended pregnancies or family shame. "Even leaving home for a day could attract concern," he recalled, underscoring the community’s role in safeguarding youth. He argued that these rules were not restrictive but essential for fostering responsible adulthood.
Engule Juma Allahai, Minister for Constitutional Affairs, added that Aringa traditions prioritized maturity over age. Both boys and girls were expected to demonstrate readiness for adulthood through practical responsibilities. For boys, this meant owning a garden, a house, and the ability to protect their family. Girls were assessed based on their behavior and contributions to household duties. "Manhood is about fulfilling responsibilities," Allahai said, noting that even a 40-year-old could be deemed immature if they failed to meet these standards.
The elders stressed that traditional preparation involved collective effort. Families, elders, and the wider community played active roles in shaping youth. "Growing up was not something a child went through alone," Allahai explained. "Parents watched. Mothers and aunties taught girls. Fathers, uncles, and grandfathers guided boys." This holistic approach ensured that young people understood their roles before entering adulthood.
However, cultural leaders acknowledge that these systems have weakened, leaving youth vulnerable to pressures that contribute to teenage pregnancies and early marriages. Adaku noted that modern challenges, such as school dropouts and exposure to harmful influences, highlight the need to revive these practices. "We want to bring back the cultural knowledge that has been passed down through generations but has gradually weakened," he said.
Kambason echoed this sentiment, emphasizing that reviving traditions does not mean replicating the past exactly. Instead, it involves rekindling the practice of open dialogue between elders and youth. "It is a story of how they used to do it, and a question for today’s generation about what can be carried forward," he said. The Koi Koi Fireside Conversation aimed to spark this dialogue, blending historical insights with modern solutions.
The discussion also addressed the legal framework, with Allahai clarifying that the Aringa Kingdom does not oppose Uganda’s legal age of majority at 18. However, he stressed that traditional expectations required maturity beyond age, measured by one’s ability to fulfill responsibilities. "A 40-year-old could fail to be recognized as mature if they could not perform adult duties," he said, underscoring the cultural emphasis on capability over chronological age.
Community leaders argue that modernization and shifting social norms have eroded these practices. "The preparation of young people was also about ensuring they were mature enough to handle adulthood’s responsibilities," Allahai said. He highlighted that traditional systems fostered a sense of accountability, which is now lacking in many households.
The event concluded with a call to integrate cultural teachings into contemporary youth development programs. Adaku noted that the goal is not to impose rigid traditions but to instill values that promote responsibility and resilience. "It is about helping young people understand responsibility before they are expected to take it on," he said. This approach, he added, could reduce the risks of early pregnancies and marriages.
Kambason emphasized that the community’s role in guiding youth remains critical. "The wider community played a role in preparing young people for adulthood," he said. By reengaging in these practices, he argued, societies can create a safety net for youth navigating modern challenges.
The Koi Koi Fireside Conversation underscored the importance of balancing tradition with innovation. While the past offers valuable lessons, the elders stressed that the goal is not to return to bygone eras but to adapt cultural wisdom to contemporary needs. "It is a reflection on what worked in guiding young people and what lessons can still be drawn from it today," Kambason said.
The discussion highlighted the potential of cultural revival to address pressing social issues. By reconnecting youth with their heritage, communities can foster a sense of identity and purpose. "This is not just about preserving the past," Adaku said. "It is about building a future where young people are equipped to thrive."
The event served as a reminder that cultural knowledge, when thoughtfully applied, can complement modern strategies. As Yumbe and other districts grapple with rising youth challenges, the elders’ call to revive Aringa traditions offers a path forward rooted in collective responsibility and intergenerational wisdom.
The Protect SRHR consortium and its partners continue to advocate for community-driven solutions to youth development. Their work, informed by traditional insights, aims to create sustainable change that respects cultural heritage while addressing contemporary needs. As the conversation around Aringa traditions continues, the focus remains on empowering young people to navigate adulthood with confidence and integrity.