Child rights activists in Rwenzori region are calling for an end to cultural practices that affect children, in particular the increase in early marriages and other forms of child abuse.
Last year, a study conducted by Uganda Youth Development Link indicated that 40 percent of the girls as young as 13 are married off before they complete their primary education cycle. The study established that parents in the districts of districts of Kasese, Bundibugyo and Ntoroko, were marrying of girls in exchange for cows, goats and other household items.
The coordinator of Child Development Concern, a non-government organization in the Rwenzori region
Barbara Mpanja, says some parents withdraw their children from school and force them into marriage. She challenges elected leaders to be at the forefront of the fight against the girl child.
A World Vision report published in 2013 ranked Uganda 16th among 25 countries with the highest rate of child marriages. It showed that 12 percent of girls were marrying before the age of 15 and 46 percent being married off before 18.
Robert Muwanga, the head teacher Itoojo secondary school in Bundibugyo district, says even with a bylaw in place, the number of girls dropping out of school has increased. The by-law passed in 2015 by the district council sought to imprison parents who fail to take their children school. Muwanga says that last year, 20 students dropped out of school to get married.
Meanwhile, raising voices, a nonprofit organization working towards the prevention of violence against women and children, has asked government to step up commitments and actions to protect, empower and give equal opportunities to all children to help build their capacity to realize their full potential.
