Nebbi, Uganda: The Resident District Commissioner (RDC) for Nebbi, Abark Robert, has appealed to all duty bearers, parents, and community leaders to intensify efforts toward ending harmful social practices that continue to undermine the well-being, dignity, and potential of the girl child.
The RDC made the call during the belated International Day of the Girl Child celebrations held at Kom-Kech Primary School Grounds in Padwot Sub-county, Nebbi District, where hundreds of pupils, parents, and local leaders gathered under the global theme:
Mr Abark commended the government progress in promoting gender equality and protecting children’s rights, but admitted that deep-rooted cultural practices and poor parenting still hinder the fight against child exploitation.
“The girl child in today’s society remains a victim of bad social practices; forced marriages, child labour, defilement, child neglect, and poor parenting, which continue to rob them of their potential and future,” Abark said.
He emphasized that protecting girls must go beyond policy and become a collective social responsibility. “Every duty bearer, parent, and community member must take full responsibility for mobilizing and advocating for the rights of the girl child if they are to live to their full potential,” he added.
Abark urged parents to support their daughters’ education and ambitions, saying the strength of any nation lies in the empowerment and education of its girls, who are “the light and future of Uganda.”
Child Marriages Still Prevalent; District Officials Warn
Ms. Yerusa Afoyorwoth, the Senior Probation Officer of Nebbi District, acknowledged that child marriage remains rampant, particularly in rural communities where poverty, gender inequality, and harmful social norms continue to drive the vice.
“Although communities are now united around the goal of protecting girls’ rights by keeping them in school and empowering them to shape their futures, child marriage still remains a significant challenge,” she said.
She noted that the Community Development Department is partnering with civil society and development agencies to ensure that vulnerable girls know their rights, have access to reproductive health services, and are given opportunities to build the future they desire.
Speaking at the same event, Mr. Patrick Emukule, Plan International West Nile Regional Manager, said the organization remains committed to working with local leaders to address the root causes of child marriage and teenage pregnancy.
“The girl child continues to face crises that deny her education, health, and safety. Early child marriage and teenage pregnancy remain key barriers preventing girls from realizing their potential,” he said.
Emukule noted that Plan International is supporting local institutions in education, health, water and sanitation, and youth empowerment programs designed to combat gender-based violence and promote gender equality.
“Our goal is to end early child marriage and teenage pregnancies through empowerment and education,” he emphasized.
Parents Urged to Uphold Love and Respect
Nebbi District Vice Chairperson Okello Geoffrey echoed calls for collective action, saying that every family and community must show love, respect, and care for the girl child. “Given the numerous challenges girls face today, parents must nurture them with affection and protection so that they grow into responsible and empowered citizens,” he said.
He added that society must recognize and amplify the voices of girls who are already leading change in their communities despite social and economic hardships.
This year’s International Day of the Girl Child theme, “The Girl I Am, The Change I Lead: Girls on the Frontlines of Crisis”, highlights the resilience and leadership of girls in the face of crises such as conflict, climate change, and inequality, calling for sustained advocacy to protect their rights and amplify their influence in community development.
As celebrations ended, participants vowed to intensify campaigns against early marriages, sexual violence, and school dropouts, ensuring that every girl in Nebbi and beyond can live, learn, and lead without fear or discrimination.
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