Busoga Kingdom and UNICEF Unite Against Child Marriage and School Dropout

Busoga Kingdom and the United Nations Children’s Fund (Unicef) have formalized a partnership through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) designed to enhance child welfare initiatives across the kingdom. This collaboration will specifically target critical issues such as child marriage and the alarming rates of school dropout among girls, while also focusing on the broader protection and promotion of children’s rights.

Unicef Uganda Representative, Robin Nandy, emphasized the shared commitment to improving the lives of the more than 2.2 million children residing in Busoga. He stated that Unicef’s investment in this partnership aims to ensure that every child has the opportunity to survive, thrive, learn, and be protected, recognizing the crucial role of cultural leaders in influencing community attitudes and behaviors.

During the signing ceremony, Unicef provided essential equipment, including a Land Cruiser, motorcycles, laptops, and amplifiers, to support community engagement, training, and monitoring efforts within Busoga. Busoga Kingdom’s Second Deputy Prime Minister, Ahmed Noor Osman, described the agreement as a pledge to safeguard the future of the region’s children.

The Kyabazinga of Busoga, William Wilberforce Kadhumbula Gabula Nadiope IV, expressed his support for the partnership, urging fathers and community leaders to play a more active role under the theme “Men Are the Pillars of Our Homes and Communities.” He stressed the importance of keeping children in school until at least 18, working collectively to eradicate child marriage, and nurturing responsible future leaders.

This alliance signifies a unified approach to foster stronger families and communities, ultimately aiming for a brighter future for every child in Busoga by ensuring their voices are heard and their potential is realized.

Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/busoga-kingdom-unicef-partner-to-tackle-child-marriage-school-dropout-5550764