Elders and cultural leaders in Uganda’s Yumbe District have called for a revival of traditional Aringa practices to address the persistent crisis of teenage pregnancies and child marriages, which remain alarmingly high in the region. The conversation, held during the Koi Koi Fireside Conversation organized by the Protect SRHR consortium—comprising the International Rescue Committee (IRC), World Vision, Reach A Hand Africa, and Humanity & Inclusion—highlighted how historical Aringa customs once prepared youth for adulthood. Yumbe, one of Uganda’s districts with the highest rates of teenage pregnancies, recorded over 7,000 cases during the COVID-19 pandemic’s lockdown period, with 5,740 cases reported in the 2023/2024 financial year, according to the district’s Health Management Information System (HMIS).
The event, hosted on 25 September 2026, brought together elders, cultural leaders, and officials to reflect on how traditional systems of guidance have weakened over time. Deputy Prime Minister of the Aringa Kingdom, Ali Abdli Adaku, emphasized that Aringa culture historically emphasized a structured transition to adulthood for both girls and boys. He noted that the cultural institution is often wrongly blamed for early marriages, but this does not align with traditional teachings. ‘Aringa culture is clear: both girls and boys must undergo a process from childhood that prepares them to become a man or a woman. There is no shortcut,’ he stated, underscoring the need to re-examine these practices to address current challenges.
Historically, Aringa girls were expected to marry around the age of 25 after a period of preparation. This process involved family discussions, mentorship, and lessons on discipline, respect, and responsibility. Elders recounted that after daily work, families would gather in the evenings to engage young people in conversations. Uncles and grandfathers guided boys, while mothers and aunties mentored girls, teaching them about their roles in society. ‘These discussions helped young people understand the boundaries within which they were expected to live,’ Adaku explained. He noted that such cultural engagement was more prevalent 30 years ago, when girls were seen as integral to the family and community, with their maturity assessed through their readiness for adult responsibilities.
Minister for Culture, Wildlife and Community Development in the Aringa Kingdom, Nuru Ajaga Kambason, described how marriage was traditionally a community-driven process. Once a girl was deemed mature, the boy’s father would approach the girl’s family to discuss the union. The prospective groom was expected to understand the girl’s maturity, and families would advise against early marriages. ‘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 recalled. He emphasized that young people were also taught about the consequences of their actions, with parents and relatives closely monitoring their behavior to prevent risky activities that could harm the family’s reputation.
The preparation for adulthood extended beyond marriage. Kambason highlighted that young people were discouraged from engaging in sexual activity outside of marriage, as such actions could lead to unintended pregnancies and social stigma. ‘Even leaving home for a day could attract concern,’ he said, noting that young people were expected to remain within the family’s guidance. This system, he argued, was not about restriction but about fostering responsibility. ‘These rules were part of how the community guided young people toward responsible adulthood,’ he said, advocating for their revival to combat modern challenges.
Minister for Constitutional Affairs, Engule Juma Allahai, added that traditional Aringa expectations for marriage centered on maturity rather than age. Both boys and girls were expected to reach a level of responsibility before marriage, with maturity assessed through their ability to contribute to the family and community. For boys, this meant owning a garden, growing crops, and building a house. ‘Manhood is about fulfilling responsibilities,’ Allahai stated. Girls, he explained, were evaluated based on their behavior and domestic contributions, such as crafting and managing household duties. ‘Maturity among girls was assessed through their behavior and the responsibilities they took on at home,’ he said.
Allahai emphasized that the traditional system involved collective oversight. Parents, uncles, grandfathers, and the wider community played active roles in guiding youth. ‘Growing up was not something a child went through alone,’ he said. Families discussed relationships before marriage, and elders engaged young people in conversations about their future. This holistic approach, he argued, ensured that young people were prepared for adulthood before taking on responsibilities like marriage or employment.
The elders noted that these systems have weakened over time, leaving young people vulnerable to pressures that contribute to teenage pregnancies, early marriages, and school dropouts. Adaku acknowledged that reviving these traditions does not mean returning to the past exactly as it was but rather re-establishing the practice of engaging young people in meaningful dialogue. ‘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 highlight these lessons, framing them as a guide for modern challenges rather than a nostalgic retreat.
Kambason stressed that the goal is not to impose rigid traditions but to recover the essence of cultural knowledge that once supported youth development. ‘We want to bring back the cultural knowledge that has been passed down through generations but has gradually weakened,’ he said. This includes teaching young people about boundaries, consequences, and the importance of family and community in shaping their futures.
Allahai reiterated that the traditional approach prioritized maturity over age. He cited examples of individuals who, despite being older, were not considered mature if they failed to meet societal expectations. ‘Even someone who was 40 years old could fail to be recognized as mature if they could not perform the responsibilities expected of an adult,’ he said. This perspective challenges the notion that age alone determines readiness for adulthood.
The discussion also addressed the role of education in preventing early pregnancies and marriages. Elders acknowledged that modern challenges, such as economic pressures and limited access to reproductive health services, have exacerbated the issue. However, they argued that cultural guidance remains a critical component of addressing these problems. ‘The community’s role in monitoring and supporting youth cannot be overlooked,’ Kambason said.
As the conversation concluded, the elders called for a renewed commitment to cultural education. They urged policymakers, educators, and community leaders to integrate traditional values into modern frameworks. ‘The lessons from the past are still relevant,’ Adaku said. ‘By combining cultural wisdom with contemporary strategies, we can create a safer, more empowered future for young people.’
The Koi Koi Fireside Conversation underscored the importance of balancing tradition with innovation. While the elders emphasized the value of Aringa customs, they also acknowledged the need for adaptive solutions. ‘We are not against the legal age of majority at 18,’ Allahai clarified. ‘But we believe that maturity must be assessed through actions and responsibilities, not just age.’ This perspective highlights the complexity of addressing teenage pregnancies and child marriages in a rapidly changing society.
The event served as a platform for dialogue, bridging the gap between cultural heritage and modern challenges. By revisiting Aringa traditions, the elders hope to inspire a new generation to embrace responsibility, respect, and community values. ‘This is not about rejecting progress,’ Kambason said. ‘It is about learning from the past to build a better future.’
The call to revive Aringa practices reflects a broader movement across Uganda to integrate cultural knowledge into public health and education initiatives. As Yumbe continues to grapple with high rates of teenage pregnancies, the insights from the Koi Koi Fireside Conversation offer a roadmap for addressing these issues through community-driven solutions. ‘The key is to listen to the elders and adapt their wisdom to today’s realities,’ Adaku concluded.
The elders’ reflections highlight the enduring relevance of cultural traditions in shaping responsible adulthood. By re-engaging with these practices, communities can foster resilience and empower young people to navigate the challenges of modern life. ‘The story of how they used to do it is not just a relic of the past,’ Kambason said. ‘It is a guide for the future.’
In the context of Uganda’s ongoing efforts to reduce teenage pregnancies and child marriages, the revival of Aringa traditions offers a unique approach. By combining historical wisdom with contemporary strategies, the elders hope to create a sustainable model for youth development. ‘This is a call to action for all stakeholders,’ Allahai said. ‘We must work together to ensure that young people are prepared for adulthood in a way that honors their culture and supports their well-being.’
The Koi Koi Fireside Conversation has sparked renewed interest in the role of cultural institutions in addressing social issues. As the Aringa Kingdom continues to navigate the complexities of modernization, the elders’ insights provide a valuable framework for fostering responsible citizenship. ‘The lessons from the past are still relevant today,’ Adaku reiterated. ‘By embracing these values, we can build a stronger, more resilient community for future generations.’