Minister says braiding children's hair is harmful

The State Minister for Gender and Culture, Peace Regis Mutuuzo, has warned parents against braiding their children's hair saying their brains are still developing and it is bad to pull their hair.

She noted that this does not only strain their developing brains but can also increases the risk of developing an irreversible form of scarring hair loss at an early age.

"Even adults undergo a lot of pain after braiding hair to the extent of swallowing Panadol for three days to reduce the pain. Why should a parent or guardian make a child go through the same stress of swallowing pain killers, pouring cold water in the head to get pain relief," she said.

"Do not braid children's hair as this has related health issues, let the children concentrate on their studies, they will plait hair when they have grown up," she advised.

Mutuuzo was speaking during the interface meeting with religious and cultural leaders on promotion of gender-responsive practices.

The meeting organized by Action for Development (ACFODE) in partnership with the Inter-Religious Council of Uganda, took place at Silver Springs, Bulolobi.  

The meeting was attended by religious and cultural leaders, members of the civil society organizations and development partners.

Mutuuzo also criticized women who do not want to breastfeed their children because of their belief that their breasts will sag.

"Breast milk is the best food for a baby, it contains all the nutrients and vitamins that are very crucial for the development of your baby, it strengthens their immunity and packed with disease-fighting substances that protect your baby from illness," she said.

"It is not true that when you exclusively breastfeed your baby, the breasts will fall, the best way to show you love and care for your baby, is to breast feed him or her," she added.