Kamuli, Uganda: Parents in Kamuli District have been warned against marrying off young girls, with authorities describing the practice as a criminal offence that undermines education and violates children’s rights.
The warning was issued on April 29, 2026, by Kamuli Assistant RDC Museebe Michael during an entry meeting held at Kamuli Municipal Boardroom, organised by ChildFund and JIACOFE.
“Marrying young girls is a form of child abuse and a crime. We will not hesitate to prosecute anyone found guilty of this offence,” Museebe said, urging parents to prioritise education and the wellbeing of their children.
He emphasised that girls have a right to education and a better future, calling for collective action to ensure they complete school and realise their potential.
Kamuli Deputy Mayor Kagabo Denis highlighted rising school dropout rates in the Busoga sub-region, linking the trend to early marriages and teenage pregnancies.
“Many girls are dropping out of school due to early marriages and pregnancies. We need to work together to ensure they remain in school,” Kagabo said.
The meeting brought together community leaders, parents, and civil society organisations to discuss strategies to curb child abuse, teenage pregnancies, and early marriages in the district.
Participants resolved to establish community-based structures to monitor and report cases of child abuse, teenage pregnancies, and early marriages, while also providing support to vulnerable girls through linkages to healthcare, education, and social services.
Representatives from ChildFund and JIACOFE pledged continued support to strengthen community interventions aimed at protecting girls and promoting education.
Closing the meeting, Kamuli Assistant Town Clerk Sadat Muyoga called on communities to take responsibility in safeguarding children’s rights. “Let us work together to create a brighter future for our girls,” he said.
The intervention comes amid growing concern over teenage pregnancy and school dropout rates in parts of eastern Uganda, where cultural practices and economic challenges continue to affect girls’ education outcomes.
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