The Ugandan government is urging parents to enhance their nurturing skills in order to combat the issues of child marriages and early pregnancies in the country. According to the 2022 Uganda Demographic and Health Survey (UDHS) statistics, the rate of child marriages and teenage pregnancies has only decreased by 1 percent from 25 percent since 2016.
Sarah Mateke Nyirabashitsi, the State Minister for Youth and Children Affairs, emphasized the importance of empowering families to address this crisis. Speaking at the 2023 national symposium on ending child marriage in Kampala on November 28, she stated, "We may allocate more funding and engage in discussions, but unless we strengthen our families, particularly parenting skills, our efforts may not yield significant results."
Minister Nyirabashitsi also called upon parents to allocate time for their children and fulfill their core parental responsibilities instead of neglecting them. She stressed that it is everyone's responsibility to care for the children they encounter, guiding them when necessary. Neglecting children will only lead to more problems in the future.
The Gender Ministry of Uganda has highlighted the need to assess government approaches in combating child marriages and teenage pregnancies. Annet Kabarungi, a principal officer in the ministry, emphasized the importance of accountability and reflection on performance within different government structures.
Xavier Ejoyi, the country director of Action Aid Uganda, expressed the need to change societal norms that view children as potential spouses and mothers rather than recognizing them as children. He also emphasized the importance of providing affordable and accessible education, particularly for girls. Ejoyi called upon men to take a stand against child marriages in their communities and homes, recognizing the role they play in perpetuating these issues.
The fight against child marriages and early pregnancies requires a collective effort from all stakeholders, including parents, government institutions, and society as a whole. By strengthening families, promoting education, and challenging harmful norms, Uganda can make progress in eliminating these harmful practices and ensuring a brighter future for its children.
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