By Dixon Aine
The Teenage Mothers and Child Support Foundation (TMCSF) has been a lifeline for marginalised young girls in Uganda, transforming lives and providing hope to teenage mothers since its inception in 2015.
Founded by Executive Director Josh Mayanja, the organisation was inspired by his mother’s experience. TMCSF now works to break cycles of poverty and early motherhood through education, skills training, and advocacy.
Uganda’s teenage pregnancy crisis
Uganda faces alarmingly high rates of teenage pregnancy, among the highest in Sub-Saharan Africa. According to the Uganda Bureau of Statistics, about 25 per cent of girls aged 15–19 are either pregnant or already mothers. In rural areas, this rate can rise to nearly 30 per cent. The Covid-19 pandemic exacerbated this crisis, with school closures and economic hardships contributing to a 30 per cent increase in teenage pregnancies.
Teenage motherhood often leads to poverty, educational dropout, and social stigma. Many young mothers lack the resources to rebuild their lives, perpetuating cycles of dependency and limiting opportunities for their children. Each year, an estimated 350,000 Ugandan teenage girls become pregnant, a situation with significant implications for health, education, and economic potential.
TMCSF’s holistic programmes
TMCSF’s mission is to empower teenage mothers, enabling them to lead independent, dignified lives. By focusing on advocacy, health education, skills training, and economic empowerment, the foundation aligns its efforts with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to reduce inequality and promote gender equality.
To date, TMCSF has trained and graduated 478 teenage mothers in vocational skills, equipping them to support themselves and their children.
“These young women now have the tools to build better futures,” Mayanja says. The organisation has also reached over 970 girls with vital reproductive health information and worked closely with partners to provide safe, accessible health services.
In addition to education, TMCSF addresses legal injustices faced by young mothers. Partnering with organisations like the Centre for Health, Human Rights and Development (CEHURD), TMCSF has pursued 23 defilement cases in court, highlighting its commitment to safeguarding the rights of teenage mothers. Furthermore, the foundation has engaged nearly 1,900 community members in conversations about teenage motherhood, fostering understanding and trust.
Stories of resilience
TMCSF’s impact is best illustrated through the stories of girls it has supported. Hellen Namatovu, 19 (not her real name) became pregnant at 15 and thought her dreams had ended.
“I felt lost, ashamed, and unsure of the future,” she recalls. With TMCSF’s support, Namatovu says she returned to school, completed vocational training in tailoring, and now runs her own business.
“TMCSF showed me that I am strong and capable of building a future for myself and my child,” she says.
Another success story is Stella Nambi (not her real name), who dropped out of school after becoming pregnant at 14. TMCSF encouraged her to resume her education, and she completed secondary school. Today, she works as a cosmetologist, is financially independent and advocating for education for teenage mothers. “TMCSF gave me a second chance, and I want every girl in my position to have that same
opportunity,” she says.
Challenges, road ahead
Despite its achievements, TMCSF faces ongoing challenges, including limited funding and widespread stigma against teenage mothers. Reaching rural communities also presents logistical barriers. In many areas, young mothers are judged rather than supported, which deepens their struggles. TMCSF addresses this through sensitisation campaigns and community engagement, reshaping perceptions and fostering a more supportive environment.
To amplify its reach, TMCSF collaborates with local governments, healthcare providers, educational institutions, and international organisations like Oxfam Uganda. Funding comes from donations, grants, corporate sponsorships, and community fundraising events. These resources sustain its programmes, including plans to expand vocational training and economic empowerment initiatives.
A vision for the future
Looking ahead, TMCSF envisions a society where every girl, regardless of her circumstances, has the opportunity to thrive. Its future plans include expanding its reach to new regions, enhancing skills training programmes, and building a facility that offers both vocational and formal education.
“Our vision is to create a future where girls can grow and contribute to their communities,” Mayanja explains.
TMCSF is also a vocal advocate for policy changes that benefit adolescent girls and young mothers. It collaborates with community leaders and policymakers to address local challenges, organises support groups, and fosters networks for teenage mothers.
For Mayanja, TMCSF is more than an organisation—it is a deeply personal mission inspired by his family’s experiences. “Empowering these girls is about giving them hope and the tools to rewrite their future,” he says.
In less than a decade, TMCSF has profoundly impacted young mothers in Uganda, enabling them to reclaim their lives, achieve economic independence, and contribute to stronger communities. Through its comprehensive approach, TMCSF continues to change lives, one young mother at a time.
