Police in the eastern district of Iganga is holding two parents on allegations of allowing their 13-year-old daughter, Primary Five drop out to marry a 17-year-old boy just one class above her in Bubalo Primary School.
Nalugoda Richard, 48, and his wife Nakaziba aged 37 years all residents of Nsozi Ibiri in Buyanga Sub County Iganga
District reported requested for Shs150,000 from the boy to take their teenage daughter’s hand in marriage. The victim is also pregnant.
The arrest came after a tipoff by the headmistress and locals about the illegal marriage. Busoga East spokesperson James Mubi confirmed the arrest.
The victim said she was forced into the marriage by her parents when she dropped out of school after they failed to provide her scholastic materials. She also says her husband has been mistreating her.
The would be husband says he was forced to get married after his both parents died and there was no one to support his education. He reached an agreement with the girls’ parents and paid Shs100, 000 and was to pay a balance of Shs50,000. The girl’s parents admit to receiving the money and agreeing on the marriage terms but deny forcing her into it.
Many parents in Busoga due to high poverty levels and biting famine have resorted to marrying off their young girls to make ends meet.