Rubanda West MP-elect Bruce Balaba Kabaasa has called on communities to reject early marriages and prioritize girl child education, describing it as critical to sustainable development and social transformation.
Kabaasa made the remarks during a gender equality meeting held at Kiyebe Trading Centre in Kiyebe Parish, Ruhija Sub-county, Rubanda District.
Addressing residents, Kabaasa said many girls in rural communities continue to face barriers to education, with some being confined to domestic responsibilities instead of being supported to stay in school.
"Restricting girls to domestic chores limits their potential and hampers long-term development. I urge parents and guardians to invest equally in the education of all children, especially girls who face greater obstacles," he said.
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He emphasized that educating girls not only improves individual livelihoods but also strengthens families and communities through better health, economic stability, and leadership opportunities.
Kabaasa also urged communities to promote unity and cooperation, warning that religious and social divisions continue to undermine development efforts.
"We must overcome religious and community divisions that hinder progress. Cooperation leads to better service delivery, poverty reduction, and improved access to education and healthcare," he noted.
Also speaking at the engagement, Sarah Ssali, the Deputy Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs at Makerere University, said persistent gender disparities in education continue to contribute to high dropout rates among girls, particularly in rural areas.
She stressed the need for targeted and evidence-based interventions to address the underlying causes affecting girls' education.
"We need targeted, evidence-based interventions. Since 2017, our initiatives have reached 26 districts. The current phase focuses on research-led teaching so students gain practical skills," Ssali said.
According to Ssali, Makerere University's gender equality initiatives, which began in 2017, have expanded to multiple districts across Uganda, including Mbale and Lira. The current phase, launched in 2023, focuses on integrating research-led teaching approaches that equip students with practical and community-responsive skills.
Local leaders and residents welcomed the initiative, saying it has helped increase awareness about equal opportunities for girls and boys.
Residents including Deogracious Owoyesigire and Emily Nabasa said attitudes toward education are gradually changing within communities.
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"This initiative has increased awareness about the importance of schooling and equal opportunities for girls and boys. Attitudes toward education are changing," they said.
The Rubanda West engagement reflects broader national efforts to advance gender equality and improve access to education, with leaders, academic institutions, and communities playing a central role in sustaining progress.
