Children urged to remain in school

PIC: A school girl being assisted to carry her luggage yesterday on Namirembe Road in Kampala, as she heads to school for the new term.(Credit: Photo by Ramadhan Abbey)

EDUCATION | EARLY MARRIAGE

Children have been urged to keep in schools until they complete their studies, so they can become useful citizens.

The call was made by the Archdeacon of All saints Church Rukungiri, Rev. Elisha Wasswa on Sunday during prayers for holiday makers as they returned to school.

Rev. Wasswa noted that early marriages have become a big problem in the country and is responsible for the rise in school drop out rates.

"The Constitution has put the marriage age at 18 years and above, but at that age, children still too young to marry. It should be changed to at least 24," he said. 

Wasswa noted that the population growth in Uganda is too high.

"There are many abandoned children roaming around villages and this is a result of early marriage," he said.

The minister castigated men who marry before saving for their families.

 "How will you afford to buy bed sheets and books for your children if you cannot even provide for yourself?" he asked.