The district council of Apac has come out passing a by-law that will help curb teenage pregnancy and early marriage in the district.
The 22nd November’s by-law will take action against defilement as well as irresponsible parents. The law criminalizes presiding over any child marriage ceremony and denying children access to education in the district. Offenders will now face up to six months in jail or a fine of 20 currency points according to the law, “Prohibition of Child Marriage 2021.”
Over 1,400 girls between the ages of 10 to 18 conceived since the Covid-19 Breakdown while others were married off in Apac district, according to statistics released the district probation officer Innocent Abongo.
Akokoro sub-county male councilor Denis Tyang says that there is need to sensitize the community on this law for effective implementation.
Meanwhile, Denis Eluk, the Apoi sub-county LCV councilor appealed for cooperation from different stakeholders for effective implementation of the law.
Oscar Okello, the community development facilitator at Lango Child and Community Development Federation-LACODEFF believes the by-law will improve school retention rates especially among the girls.
He said the sub-region has been stepping up efforts to fight child marriage in vain due to weaker laws and policies.
Moses Adoko Okello, the directly elected LCV councilor for Agulu division is hopeful that if fully implemented, the ordinance will go a long way in reducing poverty arising from early marriage.