Ms. Aisha Nabukeera, the Chief Magistrate of Kamuli, has voiced her alarm over the escalating cases of defilement, incest, teenage pregnancies, child marriages, and land inheritance disputes.
She expressed her concerns during the International Day of the Girl Child event, organized by Plan International.
This article delves into the critical issues raised by the Chief Magistrate and the young advocates striving for change.
Ms. Nabukeera’s Concerns
The Kamuli Chief Magistrate, Ms. Aisha Nabukeera, has expressed deep concern about the rising incidents of defilement, incest, teenage pregnancies, child marriages, and family land inheritance disputes.
Her concerns stem from a story published in the Daily Monitor on October 10, 2023, where government plans to provide contraceptives to girls as young as 15 raised questions.
She cautioned, “At 15 (years)? It is another way of saying girls at 15 years should be allowed to be defiled, and if we allow a girl at 15 years to start using contraceptives, by 30 years, I am sure this girl cannot produce, that means in 30 years to come, we shall not reproduce. It will also mean that 30 years from now, men shall be going for girls of 12 years or 14 years so as to reproduce, and it is a sad one.”
Advocating for Change
During the International Day of the Girl Child event, young advocates called for the transformation of family, marriage, and parenting institutions.
Safiat Kantono, a 15-year-old She Leads Girls’ Advocate, and Caroline Naminsi, a 13-year-old activist for Plan Girls’ Education Movement, emphasized the need for gender-inclusive programs and committed government officials and leaders to support gender equality.
Addressing Challenges
Safiat Kantono, who recently assumed the role of Chief Magistrate in Kamuli, highlighted the challenges faced by the Girl Child.
These include delayed justice, miscarriages, denial of justice, lack of support, domestic and Gender-Based Violence, and forced child marriages.
Government Response
Ms. Rose Birungi, the Kamuli Resident District Commissioner (RDC), emphasized the high costs of defilement, teenage pregnancies, and child marriages to the government.
She called for collective efforts and shared responsibility in protecting girls, especially in light of the disheartening involvement of some local officials in child marriage ceremonies.
International Day of the Girl
Ms. Zaituna Asio, the Kamuli District Plan International Program Manager, shed light on the significance of the International Day of the Girl.
This annual event, established by the United Nations General Assembly, aims to recognize the rights and unique challenges faced by girls.
It serves as a platform for empowering girls, enabling them to overcome barriers, and helping them learn, lead, decide, and thrive.