By Alfred Opio
Parents in Pallisa District have been urged to prioritise the education of the girl child as a critical step toward building stronger families and communities.
The call was made by Catherine Achola, the Woman Member of Parliament–elect for Pallisa District, during an interview with journalists in which she expressed concern over what she described as an imbalance in educational support within many households.
Achola noted that in several families, parents tend to focus more on educating the boy child while neglecting the education of girls, a trend she said undermines equal opportunities in society.
She emphasised that educating a girl child has far-reaching benefits not only for the individual but also for the entire community and nation.
“When a girl is educated, the entire nation benefits because women play vital roles in family welfare and community development,” Achola said.
The MP-elect also pointed out that women currently occupy some of the highest offices in government in Uganda, including the positions of Speaker of Parliament, Vice President, and Prime Minister, which she said demonstrates that girls’ education should never be underestimated.
Achola further warned parents against the practice of marrying off school-going daughters, noting that the vice is still common in some communities, particularly when girls reach puberty while still in upper primary school.
She explained that physical maturity should not be mistaken for readiness for marriage, stressing that many girls who develop early can still perform very well academically.
According to Achola, some parents argue that their daughters are not performing well in class and may opt for technical training. However, she said early marriage should never be considered a solution.
She emphasised that the law is strict on early marriages and warned parents against marrying off their daughters before they complete their education.
Achola called upon families, community leaders, and education stakeholders to work together to ensure that girls remain in school and are given equal opportunities to succeed just like boys.
She expressed optimism that with increased awareness and community support, more girls in Pallisa District will be able to complete their education and contribute positively to the development of their communities.
