NATIONAL: The Minister of Gender, Labour and Social Development, Hon. Amongi Betty, has praised Col. James Nkojo and his wife Deborah for legalizing their marriage through the traditional ceremony Okuhingira.
The minister made these comments during an interview with journalists on May 29, 2023, while attending the couple’s Okuhingira ceremony in Kiruhuura District.
Hon. Betty emphasized the importance of preserving African culture, which she believes is a cornerstone of Uganda’s national identity and a means of ensuring the country’s survival in the global community.
She called on the community to follow the example set by Col. James Nkojo and his wife by getting married at the legal age and advised leaders to work with the government to end child marriage.
The minister’s comments come at a time when child marriage is a significant issue in Uganda, with many young girls being forced into marriage before they reach the legal age.
The government has been working to end child marriage, and Hon. Betty’s support for Col. James Nkojo and his wife’s decision to legalize their marriage through a traditional ceremony may encourage more couples to follow their example.