Childhood marriages are a big shame

Sep 14, 2001

SIR—I wish to condemn forced marriage, especially of boys and girls, now rampant in Uganda

SIR—I wish to condemn forced marriage, especially of boys and girls, now rampant in Uganda as has been reported in the media. Many people below 18 years of age are forced into marriage by social pressure, family expectations and poverty, among others. This is an illegal act to which we should not be blind. Stand and be counted with me in condemning the heinous act. There is untold pressure, overt or covert, to which the young are subjected. “You are not wanted here”; “You are a burden to the family”; “You are not married yet; what’s wrong with you?”. Who has not heard all this nonsense? Some parents (and relatives) seem to derive pleasure in coercing in marrying off their daughters. Yet the consequences of such a “marriage” are grave to the “spouses” and often have a boomerang effect. Even if there was any traditional premarital counselling — I stand to be corrected — I wonder who of the spouses would take care of the other. Yet the law of Uganda, despite its weak spots, has safeguards against such crimes. - Article 20(2) of the 1995 Constitution provides: “The rights and freedom of the individual and groups enshrined shall be respected, upheld and promoted by all organs and agencies of government and by all persons. This includes all those who conduct these marriage ceremonies — priests, sheiks, mention them. - Article 31 of the 1995 Constitution provides that men and women of 18 years and above have the right to marry and have equal rights in marriage during marriage and at its dissolution. - Article 31(3) provides that marriage shall be entered into with the free consent of the man and woman intending to marry. Is it any wonder then that many of these “marriages” are characterised by cruelty, inhuman and degrading treatment, slavery and servitude, just to mention some of the violations? We should report such crimes to the Police, the Uganda Human Rights Commission, FIDA and Legal Aid Project. Eva Mulema, FIDA Uganda

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