LYANTONDE. Dr. John Chrysestom Muyingo, the State Minister for Higher Education, has urged parents in Lyantonde District to stop forcing their school-aged children into early marriages.
He stressed that this harmful practice prevents children, especially girls, from finishing their education and contributes to low literacy levels in the area.
During a visit to Buyanja Secondary School, Kicwamba Primary School, Kasagama Secondary School, and Lyantonde Technical Institute, Muyingo spoke about the negative effects of early marriages.
“In Mpummude Sub-county, many girls are married off too soon, leading to low education levels,” he said.
The minister promised that the government would build new school facilities to improve education but urged parents and the community to stop marrying off young girls before they finish school.
Muyingo also raised concerns about some teachers who do not prepare lesson plans or organise their work properly.
“How can teachers teach effectively without planning?” he questioned. He urged schools to ensure teachers are well-prepared to improve learning outcomes.
The District Chairperson, Fred Muhangi, asked Dr. Muyingo to exempt Lyantonde from the one-primary-school-per-parish policy due to the district’s large size.
He explained that because of the distance between homes and schools, children often struggle to attend class.
The area Members of Parliament, Enos Asiimwe and Pauline Kemirembe, thanked the minister for his visit and pledged to work with the community to fight early marriages. They want to make sure that girls stay in school and complete their education.
Godfrey Ndibarema, the Deputy Chief Administrative Officer of Lyantonde, said he was hopeful that the minister’s visit would bring improvements to the education system, particularly with better school facilities and efforts to stop early marriages.
Early marriages remain a significant problem in many rural areas of Uganda, where poverty and cultural traditions often push girls out of school.
Muyingo’s message is part of the government’s efforts to protect girls’ education and ensure they have a brighter future.
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