Child Marriage Practices: A “Cultural Siege” Against Girls in the Indigenous Communities in Northern Uganda

Abstract

The study examined the impact of child marriage on the education attainment and welfare of girls in Northern Uganda. Two indigenous communities, Tepeth and Matheniko were used as case study. The study employed case study design, while qualitative approach (face-to-face interview) was used in data collection. 25 key informants participated in the study that includes 15 female and 10 male. The study was guided by the Radical Feminist Theory. The theory, argues that patriarchy is the primary cause of women oppression because partriachy gives men advantage over women in the society and puts men in an advantage position to determine the future of women. The study findings reveal that two main factors: poverty and cultural practice of cementing alliances are responsible for child marriage in Northern Uganda. In addition, the study found that child marriage breaches different aspects of human/ children’s rights, such as the right to education, healthcare, and protection from physical and sexual abuse among others. The study concluded that child marriage is a practice that has long lasting negative impact on the welfare of the affected individuals and by extension the development of the communities where it is practiced. Consequently, the study made recommendations on possible solutions and strategies to eradicate the practice.