Delay Marriage Promote Schooling for Ugandan Girls

Dear Donors,

We are excited to share an important update regarding the recent development of Uganda’s Marriage Bill, a critical step toward protecting the rights of children and promoting gender equality in the country. As an organization that is committed to safeguarding the rights of children and empowering communities, Joy for Children Uganda (JFCU) believes that this Bill represents a big milestone in the fight against child marriage and the protection of young girls.

The Marriage Bill, which seeks to consolidate all laws relating to marriage, includes a key provision that sets the minimum legal age of marriage at 18 without any exceptions. This provision aligns with international human rights standards and will have a transformative effect on the lives of children, particularly girls, who are at risk of being married off at a young age. By establishing a clear legal framework, this Bill aims to protect children from the harmful consequences of early marriage, including limited access to education, health risks, and reduced opportunities for economic independence.

Uganda has made strides in addressing child marriage over the years. However, it remains a persistent challenge, particularly in rural communities where cultural practices and traditional norms continue to perpetuate the early marriage of young girls. The new Marriage Bill will help close existing gaps in legal protection and ensure that all marriages in Uganda are based on mutual consent and are entered into by individuals who are legally recognized as adults.

At JFCU, we are committed to supporting this effort by continuing our advocacy work. We believe that  our efforts will be essential in changing public opinions and societal attitudes towards child marriage. Through our ongoing outreach efforts, we are working with local leaders, parents, teachers, and community members to ensure that they understand the importance of delaying marriage until adulthood. We are also providing educational support and raising awareness of the harmful effects of child marriage on girls’ education, health, and future opportunities.

We are also collaborating with other civil society organizations and stakeholders to advocate for the swift implementation of the Marriage Bill and to ensure that it is effectively enforced. By working together, we can ensure that the law will be upheld and that no child is married off before they are ready.

While the passing of the Marriage Bill is an achievement, we know that there is still much work to be done to protect children and change cultural attitudes toward early marriage. Your support has been invaluable in helping us advance these efforts, and we are deeply grateful for your commitment to the rights of children.

We look forward to continuing our work alongside you to ensure that the Marriage Bill has a lasting positive impact on the lives of children and families in Uganda.