Buyende District, Uganda: The Federation of African Women Educationalists (FAWE) Uganda has called on parents and community leaders to stand together in the fight against HIV/AIDS, teenage pregnancies and early marriage, describing them as growing threats to the well-being and future of young girls across the country.
Speaking during the 16 Days of Activism commemoration at Ikanda Primary School in Buyende District, FAWE Uganda Executive Director, Mrs Suzan Opok Tumusiime, said the organisation had expanded this year’s theme “Unite to End Digital Violence Against Women and Girls“, to address a broader range of challenges affecting girls both in and out of school.
“As FAWE Uganda, we decided to broaden this theme,” Opok explained. “We remember that in 2021 the First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports, Janet Kataha Museveni, launched the campaign Protect the Girl, Save the Nation, calling on Ugandans to fight teenage pregnancies, defilement, rape and early marriage.”
“As we mark the 16 Days of Activism, we believe we must also unite against HIV/AIDS, prevent early pregnancy, stop defilement and protect our children. I call upon all fathers and mothers to unite and fight these problems that are challenging our children,” she added.
Buyende District LCV Chairperson, Kanaku Michael, urged parents, educators and community leaders to take collective responsibility for improving school retention, especially for girls who are most vulnerable to sexual abuse and exploitation. He expressed concern over the high dropout rates in the district.
“If you take Ikanda Primary School as an example, they have more than 500 pupils in Primary One but only 76 sat for PLE in Primary Seven. These numbers continue to drop because girls are obstructed by men who defile them,” Kanaku said. He asked parents to prioritise providing basic needs to keep their children enrolled in school.
Resident District Commissioner (RDC) of Buyende, Komakech Salim, vowed to crack down on perpetrators targeting young girls. “I feel very bad seeing children below 18 dropping out of school because of defilement and pregnancy. Men with bad manners in the community, as long as the DPC and I are still here, we shall arrest you so you do not destroy the future of this nation,” he warned.
Authorities say Buyende’s location along the shores of Lake Kyoga has created a melting pot of cultures, a factor believed to contribute to rising cases of early marriage, teenage pregnancy and HIV infections.
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