Kamuli, Uganda: Stakeholders in the Busoga sub-region have been urged to strengthen collaboration and intensify efforts to eliminate child marriage and teenage pregnancies, which continue to deprive many children of education and future opportunities.
The call was made by Prince Gabula Nadiope, the Isabalangira of Bugabula B Chiefdom, during a stakeholder engagement held at Kamuli District Headquarters on Tuesday.
The meeting was organised by ACORD with support from the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) and funding from the Government of Sweden as part of ongoing efforts to address child marriage and teenage pregnancy in Busoga.
Prince Gabula expressed concern that, despite existing laws and continuous sensitisation campaigns, child marriages remain prevalent in some parts of the region.
“Marrying off young girls robs them of education, health, and a future. As Busoga, we must combine our power and stand together to end this practice. Cultural leaders are ready to work with partners to protect our children,” Prince Gabula said.
He called for stronger partnerships among cultural institutions, religious leaders, government agencies, civil society organisations, parents, and local communities to tackle the vice.
Speaking at the meeting, Tadeo Tumusiime of ACORD said the initiative seeks to reduce teenage pregnancies and child marriages, which continue to interrupt the education and development of both girls and boys.
“Our goal is to see every girl reach her full potential. When we prevent unwanted pregnancies and early marriages, we are investing in the future of Busoga and Uganda,” Tumusiime said.
He noted that keeping children in school improves their long-term health, social and economic prospects while contributing to national development.
Tumusiime further emphasised that boys who drop out of school also face increased vulnerability and limited opportunities, making it important for communities to support education for all children.
Participants at the engagement agreed that community sensitisation, strict enforcement of existing laws and economic empowerment of households are critical in reducing child marriage cases.
They pledged to take awareness campaigns to villages and involve men, religious leaders, local councils and other community structures in identifying and reporting cases.
ACORD officials said similar engagements will be conducted across Kamuli, Namayingo and other districts in Busoga to strengthen grassroots efforts aimed at ending child marriage and teenage pregnancies.
If you would like your article/opinion to be published on Uganda’s most authoritative news platform, send your submission on: [email protected]. You can also follow DailyExpress on WhatsApp and on Twitter (X) for realtime updates.
