Philip Akuku Kaya, an Education Officer in Adjumani district, says preliminary reports show that some of girls got married after waiting for schools to resume in vain while others got married after conceiving.
At least eighteen
school girls have been married off in Adjumani district during the lock down,
according to local authorities. Philip Akuku Kaya, an Education Officer in Adjumani
district, says preliminary reports show that some of girls got married after
waiting for schools to resume in vain while others got married after conceiving.
Akuku says the cases of
early child marriages have been registered in Pakelle, Adropi, Ukisijoni, Pachara
Sub counties and Adjumani town council. He however, faults head teachers for
failing to report the cases of early marriage to the education department
claiming that it could tarnish the image of their schools.
Akuku says they have embarked on sensitising learners
and community leaders about the importance of education through regular radio
talk-shows. Godwin Ochaki, the Adjumani District Police Commander,
says most parents prefer settling cases of early marriages at home, adding that
they have not registered any cases related to marrying off school girls.
John Anyanzo, the
Adjumani District LC V Vice Chairperson blamed parents for failure to guide
their children during Covid-19 lock-down. He said some parents still
believe it is the responsibility of teachers to take care of their
children even when they are back in their respective homes.