
BY INNOCENT KIIZA
In a historic display of solidarity, cultural leaders from diverse Ugandan institutions have joined forces under the Council of Traditional Leaders in Africa (COTLA) Uganda Chapter to declare their commitment to advancing girl-child education and retention in schools.
Released during the ongoing 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, their declaration highlights the critical role of education in transforming lives and communities, especially for girls.
The declaration underscores alarming statistics from the Uganda Bureau of Statistics (UBOS), which reveal persistent gender disparities in education. In 2012, a UBOS report on education showed that more girls than boys were missing out on school. For every 10 boys without formal education, there were 24 girls in the same situation. Also, fewer girls (19%) than boys (25%) finished secondary school.
Frederick Nsibambi, the Deputy Executive Director of the Cross-Cultural Foundation of Uganda (CCFU), expressed deep concern over the persistent challenges preventing girls from staying in school. Speaking at a stakeholder event focused on addressing gender-based barriers, Nsibambi emphasized that poverty remains one of the most significant obstacles to girls’ education.
“Many parents cannot afford school fees or the scholastic materials their children need. This often forces families to prioritize boys’ education over girls’. In some cases, parents keep their daughters at home to assist with household chores or earn additional income,” Nsibambi explained.
He highlighted the cultural practice of early marriages as a major reason for girls leaving school. “About 35% of girls drop out of school to get married, while 23% leave due to early pregnancies. These figures are alarming and point to systemic issues that must be addressed urgently,” he said.
Nsibambi further pointed out that girls are twice as likely as boys to lack formal education, with far fewer completing secondary school. He attributed this disparity to factors such as poverty, cultural norms, early marriages, and teenage pregnancies, which collectively hinder girls from achieving their educational aspirations.
“In Uganda, the fight for the education and well-being of girls faces serious challenges. These barriers not only disrupt their education but also limit their opportunities for empowerment and self-reliance. Addressing these issues requires a concerted effort from all stakeholders,” Nsibambi emphasized.
He called on community leaders, policymakers, and development partners to take proactive steps in creating an environment where girls can access education and thrive, free from the burdens of harmful practices and societal expectations.
A 2017 report by Girls Not Brides revealed that 40% of girls in Uganda are married before the age of 18, and 10% before they turn 15. This alarming trend places Uganda 18th in the world for early marriage prevalence, according to UNICEF.
The Covid-19 pandemic further worsened this situation. When schools were closed in March 2020 to curb the spread of the virus, the consequences for young girls were devastating. A survey conducted by the Network for Community Development and Research (NeFCoRD) in Kasese District revealed that between March and July 2020, over 1,000 cases of teenage pregnancies were reported. With schools closed and opportunities for education and safe spaces limited, many girls became vulnerable to exploitation, abuse, and early marriages.
Recognizing the urgency of the issue, NeFCoRD has committed to addressing this crisis through innovative community programs. One of its key strategies is using physical activities and sports to engage young people and raise awareness about the dangers of early marriages and teenage pregnancies. These activities aim to empower girls, build their self-esteem, and encourage communities to value education over harmful practices.
This initiative aligns with the recent declaration by cultural leaders under the Council of Traditional Leaders in Africa (COTLA) – Uganda Chapter, which emphasized the importance of collective efforts to keep girls in school. The leaders pledged to address cultural practices that contribute to gender-based violence and early marriages, while also promoting positive traditions that support girls’ education.
Through partnerships with cultural leaders, schools, and local organizations, NeFCoRD hopes to create a supportive environment where girls can thrive, pursue education, and build a brighter future. As communities come together to tackle these challenges, the goal remains clear: to protect the rights of girls and ensure that they are not forced into marriages or pregnancies at a young age.
This collaborative approach between cultural leaders, organizations like NeFCoRD, and government stakeholders represents a beacon of hope for Uganda’s girls, offering them the opportunity to reclaim their education and dreams.
A United Voice for Change
In a bold and united effort, cultural leaders from across Uganda came together under the Council of Traditional Leaders in Africa (COTLA) – Uganda Chapter to release a powerful declaration addressing the barriers girls face in accessing education. Each leader shared their perspective on the steps needed to promote girl-child education and create a brighter future for the nation’s daughters.
Hon. Mugamba Yowasi Thembo, Minister for Royal Protection of Obusinga Bwa Rwenzururu, began by emphasizing the importance of promoting positive cultural practices. “In our culture, we have long celebrated education through stories, mentorship, and recognition of success. These traditions inspire young girls to dream big and stay in school. By reviving and amplifying these practices, we can show our communities that education is the key to prosperity,” he said.
Rt. Hon. Ocole Andrew, Prime Minister of Iteso Cultural Union, highlighted the need for engaging men and boys in the conversation. “As fathers, brothers, and community leaders, men hold the power to reshape harmful traditions. We must encourage them to champion the cause of education and stand against practices like child marriage. By involving men as allies, we can create a cultural shift that values the potential of every girl,” he remarked.
Rt. Hon. Edyau Paul, Deputy Prime Minister of Kumam Cultural Heritage, shared the role of community outreach and media campaigns in changing mindsets. “Education starts with awareness. Through radio programs, cultural events, and village meetings, we will talk about why girls deserve to learn. We’ll remind families that educated girls uplift entire communities,” he stated.
The leaders also stressed the importance of collaborative partnerships, with each cultural institution playing a role in uniting efforts with the government, civil society organizations, and development partners. “No one can solve this issue alone,” said Hon. Mugamba Yowasi Thembo. “By working together, we can pool our resources and ideas to create lasting change. This is not just a fight for cultural leaders but for all of us who believe in equality.”
In their closing remarks, the leaders issued a call for unity against gender-based violence and harmful practices such as child marriages and female genital mutilation. “Let us not forget that we are here to protect the dignity of every girl,” said Rt. Hon. Ocole Andrew. “We pledge to support government programs that improve family livelihoods and reduce poverty, so parents no longer feel forced to make decisions that harm their daughters’ futures.”
The declaration marked a turning point for cultural institutions in Uganda, demonstrating their commitment to protecting girls and promoting gender equity. As the leaders came together, their message was clear: the future of Uganda depends on ensuring every child, especially girls, has the opportunity to learn, grow, and thrive.
A Roadmap for Action
The leaders from 14 cultural institutions in Uganda outlined several strategies to tackle the challenges facing girls’ education. These include leveraging positive cultural practices, engaging men and boys as allies, and collaborating with stakeholders to create supportive environments. They also pledged to address harmful traditions such as child marriages and female genital mutilation, which disproportionately affect girls’ well-being and education.
In partnership with the Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development, the Cross-Cultural Foundation of Uganda (CCFU), and UN Women, the cultural leaders aim to amplify their message through outreach programs, traditional events, and mass media campaigns.
While officiating an event addressing the challenges of teenage pregnancy and early marriage, the State Minister for Gender and Culture, Hon. Peace Mutuuzo, commended stakeholders for their unwavering commitment to advocating for the rights of women and girls, especially through activism.
The Minister highlighted the alarming statistics from the 2016 Uganda Demographic and Health Survey, which show teenage pregnancy at 25% and unsafe abortions contributing to 28% of maternal deaths among young women aged 15-24 years. Hon. Mutuuzo pointed out the severe impact of these issues, particularly in regions like East Central, Eastern, and Karamoja, where teenage pregnancies reach 30%, compared to the Southwest region at 15% and the Central region at 19%.
She emphasized the role of early marriages in exacerbating the problem, noting that 10% of girls in Uganda are married by age 15 and 40% by age 18. The minister described this as a significant barrier to girls’ education, as evidenced by the 33% primary survival rate, which underscores a dire dropout crisis.
Hon. Mutuuzo further stressed the importance of engaging men and boys in the fight against gender-based violence. She acknowledged their role in perpetuating violence against women and girls but also called upon stakeholders to actively involve them as allies in changing harmful norms and practices.
“Together, we must address the root causes of these challenges, such as poverty, lack of access to education, and entrenched cultural practices. By working collaboratively, we can ensure every girl in Uganda has the opportunity to live free from violence, early marriage, and teenage motherhood,” Hon. Mutuuzo urged.
Her remarks called for a multi-sectoral approach, emphasizing the importance of partnerships among government, cultural leaders, civil society organizations, and development partners in creating a future where girls can thrive.
Through their declaration, cultural leaders reaffirm their role as custodians of traditions and advocates for change. By promoting education and challenging harmful norms, they hope to foster a more equitable society where all children, regardless of gender, can thrive.
This collective effort reflects a deep commitment to the future of Uganda’s girls, recognizing that education is not just a right but a cornerstone for sustainable development and gender equality.
A Push for Laws and Policies
It began with laying down the law. Through the Ministry’s efforts, the Children Act (Amendment) and the Domestic Violence Act were enacted to protect young girls from harmful practices like child marriage. “We needed a legal framework that ensures no girl is forced into adulthood before her time,” says a Ministry representative. The National Strategy to End Child Marriage and Teenage Pregnancy (2015–2020) emerged as a guiding document, rallying stakeholders around a common goal.
Empowering Communities
Changing mindsets has been another critical focus. The Ministry worked with cultural and religious leaders to challenge traditional norms that perpetuate early marriages. In rural communities, colorful banners bearing the slogan “End Child Marriage” accompanied gatherings where parents were encouraged to value education over dowries. “We emphasize that a girl in school is worth more than a bride price,” one campaign volunteer shares.