BY Ouni Jaspher
Lira City: The Lango Paramount Chief, Eng. Dr. Michael Moses Odongo Okune, has called on young girls to embrace abstinence as a way of reducing child marriage and teenage pregnancies in the region.
Speaking at a three-day conference organized by the Agong Foundation, Okune announced an incentive aimed at encouraging discipline among girls, saying he would give a cow to any Lango lady who abstains from sexual activity until she finds a suitable partner for marriage.
He explained that the initiative is intended to empower girls to prioritize education and long-term goals over early and forced marriages.
“By abstaining from sex, they also reduce their risk of teenage pregnancies, which can hinder their chances of completing their studies and achieving their goals,” Okune said.
At the close of the conference, the paramount chief emphasized the role of teachers in creating a safe and supportive learning environment.
He urged educators to reduce excessive punishment, warning that harsh discipline can contribute to school dropout rates.
The Bishop of Lira Diocese, Rt. Rev. Sanctus Lino Wanok, praised the paramount chief for his efforts and acknowledged the support of the church, government, and cultural institutions in promoting the welfare of children.
He called on the church to respect cultural institutions, noting their importance in fostering unity within the community.
However, Bishop Wanok raised concern over the growing problem of drug abuse among the youth in Lango. He revealed that he has personally rescued 380 children from the streets, many of whom were affected by substance abuse, and called for closer collaboration between the church and cultural institutions to address the issue.
Simon Odepe, the First Deputy Prime Minister of the Lango Cultural Institution, attributed rising sexual activity among children largely to poverty. He commended the Agong Foundation for organizing conferences that educate and empower young people to overcome social challenges.
The wife of the paramount chief, Ms. Margret Odongo Okune—who also founded the Agong Foundation—expressed appreciation for the support from various stakeholders.
She called for continued partnerships to enable the foundation to sustain initiatives that positively impact the lives of young people in Lango.
Deputy Resident City Commissioner of Lira, Stephen Odongo, urged communities to actively combat domestic violence, stressing the need for action rather than silence in the face of abuse.
Deputy Resident District Commissioner Abang Beatrice Molly Kia noted that some cultural norms and practices hinder efforts to fight child marriage. She accused certain cultural leaders and parents of concealing cases, making it difficult for security agencies to act against perpetrators.
The conference focused primarily on the well-being of the girl child, with sessions covering girl-child health, cultural food preparation, traditional knowledge, leadership skills, and marriage.
Ruth Moses Ogwal, a midwife at Alito Health Centre III in Kole District, emphasized the importance of sexual and reproductive health education. She said girls were tested, immunized against cancer, and educated about the dangers of early sexual activity.
The aim, she said, is for the girls to return to their communities and share knowledge with their peers on staying safe, healthy, and focused on their future.
