Examining the persistence of child marriages in Soroti district

Abstract

It is estimated that Sub-Saharan Africa follows Asia–Pacific in having the largest number of child marriages with 48 million. This study therefore explored on examining the persistence of child marriages in Gweri sub county Soroti District. Three study objectives guided the study; to investigate the causes of child marriages in Gweri sub county; to establish why the practice of child marriages is persistent in Gweri subcounty ; to find out the loop holes in the laws regarding the initiatives of protection of children against child marriages The study adopted a combination of both descriptive and non-descriptive, qualitative data technique of research was used during the study. The instruments used during the study included; interviews guide, the questionnaires and observation check list. The information collected was organized in order to make meaningful presentations and discussions, conclusions and recommendations. The research findings collected revealed that child marriage is still rampant and persistent in the rural areas, Significantly, poverty was seen as the main factor accounting for child marriages in Uganda while other factors observed included; weak national laws specifically the implementation and influence by customs and tradition, ineffective Education program such as the Universal Primary Education , Weak structures and systems especially the lack of the political will in supporting the implementation of the Slogan “End Child Marriage” It is upon this background that the researcher called on the Government of Uganda, associated NGO’s, international organizations and the populace who remain incompatible in goals, to foster a sustainable marriage strategy in the fight against child marriages. Other recommendations to this study among the many are: strengthening the child protection structures and systems, continues and regular mass awareness of parents, clan leaders, religious leaders and all stake holders regarding child protection policies and laws against the child marriage practices in Gweri and the entire districts in Uganda, stakeholder collaboration, increase in budgetary allocation to government institutions especially the child and Family Unit in police force ( CFPU), poverty Reduction programs by GOU to create and implement an explicit policy on poverty alleviation which may include the enforcement of socio –economic policies to promote economic growth. etc Finally, the government should mainly develop a body of ethical principles against child marriages, be politically committed as well as foster the implementation of child marriage laws and policies.