The program, which is currently taking place in Mbale City, was officially opened on May 22 by the Prime Minister of the Bugisu Cultural Institution, Rt. Hon. Paul Mwambu.
Speaking during the training, the spokesperson of the Bugisu Cultural Institution, Steven Masiga, said the initiative seeks to strengthen the role of clans in supporting education and safeguarding the future of the girl child.
Masiga explained that clan leaders are expected to become champions of education and take a firm stand against harmful practices affecting children, especially girls.
While addressing the clan chairpersons, His Highness the Umukuka urged cultural leaders to actively promote education in their communities and fight social vices that undermine learning in schools.
The Umukuka also cautioned clan leaders to remain vigilant against anyone engaging in Female Genital Mutilation (FGM), urging them to report such cases to authorities immediately.
Masiga further revealed that the Bugisu Cultural Institution, in partnership with Cross Foundation Uganda and UN Women, is preparing to roll out school tours across the entire Bugisu sub-region as part of a wider girl child empowerment campaign.
He said the initiative will be conducted under the theme: “Umukuka’s Message to Schools.”
