Patrick Opio
24 September 2008
Kampala — Leaders and the Police in Apac district are planning to clamp down on underage mothers with a view to prosecuting those who fathered their children.
The deputy resident district commissioner, Semei Okwir, while addressing residents of Kwibaale, Akokoro subcountyrecently said: "If a mother is below 18 years, her baby's father will be arrested and prosecuted in courts of law."
He added that the swoop would extend to those engaged in early marriages because such unions were causing the spread of HIV.
Okwir said several girls were dropping out of school due to parents' greed for bribe price. "School authorities and local leaders must fight this child abuse," he said.
Okwir also said teenagers who get married will be punished alongside their parents. "Even LCs who witness such marriages must be punished."
He said the young couples would also be prosecuted if they insist on early marriage.
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