Mr John Chrysostom Muyingo, the State minister for Primary Education in Uganda, has been quoted warning religious leaders, especially those who preside over wedding ceremonies for underage couples.
Mr Muyingo made this warning while speaking to journalists at a workshop for violence against children in school (VACIS) in Kampala yesterday
In 2006, more than half (53%) of women ages 20–49 were married before the age of 18, which is the legal age of marriage for women in Uganda.
The reasons for early marriage are rooted in traditional and social norms, as well as factors such as women’s disadvantaged status, poverty, and biases against girls’ education. From the parents’ perspective, early marriage offers protection against premarital pregnancy and provides lifelong security for their daughter.
According to the 2006 UDHS, for women ages 20–49, the median age at first intercourse was 16.6; the median age at first marriage was 17.8; and the median age at first birth was 18.7.
He also criticized the police for mishandling case files for children who have been subjected to defilement rape, sexual harassment, among others.
Joined by Noreen Prendiville, the deputy country representative for UNICEF, the State minister also vowed to cancel practicing certificates for any teacher found guilty of beating children.
“Beating children is outdated. The government abolished beating in schools because it was one of the major reasons why children dropped out of schools. Any teacher who will be found guilty for beating up a child will have their [practicing] certificates cancelled,” Mr Muyingo warned
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editor@ugchristiannews.com/Photo (courtesy) – Children and teacher of the Ladybird Infant School, at Kalerwe Market, Kampala, Uganda.
