Traditional leaders from Lira handing over their marriage ordinance to the PM Ker Alur

By Prisca Oroma

Nebbi  

Following the increase of teenage pregnancies in the greater Nebbi. Alur Kingdom with support from Plan International-Uganda is set to enact a marriage ordinance to help in the regulation of marriage in the kingdom.

The marriage ordinance to be enacted by the Alur kingdom will act as an authoritative order or decree that will ensure that marriage does not harm human rights but promotes peaceful coexistence, development and prosperity.

As part of the preparation, the chiefs are to learn from Lango cultural foundation who were supported by Plan International Uganda to enact one which is functioning and has led to the reduction of teenage pregnancies despite the lock down.

Speaking during the orientation meeting with Lango Cultural Foundation at Satellite one conference hall on Monday, Robert Abak, the Resident District Commissioner-Nebbi, said that the current statistics show that from January to August over 3,000 girls got pregnant.

“the situation is bad and we cannot continue like this, this marriage ordinance is timely to help save our girls and their future, I know you will meet opposition but don’t give up because we will support you completely” he said.

Martine Ogwang the project manager Plan International Uganda Lira, said that before the ordinance, they registered over 16,000 teenage pregnancies in the Lango sub region but now it has reduced to 4,000.

Rt. Hon Vincent Ochaya Orach the Prime minister Alur Kingdom said that After the learning visit to Lango, the chiefs will sit to draft the marriage ordnance which will be taken to the solicitor general for approval for it to become legal.

“I am happy that the process of The ordinance has begun and a lot of consultations with the community will be done in order for all to be part so that when it is passed they can be able to own it” he said