By Aggrey Buluba
In a heartfelt plea to parents and leaders across the nation, Hon. Balaam Barugahara Ateenyi, the Minister for Youth and Children Affairs, has urged a united stand against early pregnancies. The minister’s call comes in the wake of a shocking incident in Butaleja District, where 16-year-old Nankya Mwajuma, a primary six student, recently gave birth to quadruplets.
Hrough his x account, Balaam passionately declared, “Dear parents, leaders, and fellow citizens, let’s break the cycle of early motherhood and forced marriages. Our girls deserve education, not maternity.” His words carried a sense of urgency and a rallying cry for change.
The minister highlighted the need for a collective effort to protect young girls from falling into the traps of early pregnancies, which often lead to forced marriages and the loss of educational opportunities. “This is not just a problem for Nankya or Butaleja; it’s a national crisis,” The minister stressed.
He called on parents to actively guide and educate their children about the risks of early sexual activity, and to encourage them to focus on their education and personal growth. “We need to empower our girls with knowledge and dreams, not diapers,” he remarked, adding a touch of humor to his otherwise serious message.
He also reached out to non-governmental organizations (NGOs), urging them to join the fight against this alarming trend. “We need all hands on deck. Together, we can create a safer and brighter future for our girls,” he appealed.
With his stirring call, the minister hopes to inspire communities to take action, advocating for a future where every girl has the chance to pursue her education and fulfill her potential—without the shadow of early motherhood looming over her.
As he put it, “Our girls are not brides or mothers; they are the leaders of tomorrow. Let’s give them the chance to prove it!”
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