Stakeholders in Kigezi sub region have called for stronger parental responsibility, protection of boy child economic empowerment of families and improved access to justice to address child marriage, sexual exploitation and other violations of sexual and reproductive health rights

The call was made during the dialogue organized by local sustainable community’s organization under the theme breaking barriers: promoting inclusive SRHR access for the poor and marginalised in Kigezi."

Stakeholders raised concern that the boy child is increasingly being neglected in homes, schools, and community programs. They said while many interventions focus on girls, boys are often left without counselling, mentorship and parental guidance

His Worship Emeritus Sande Ndabamanya Ben Duncan said every person, including children and marginalized communities, has a right to access justice when their rights are violated.

He said parents, community leaders, and justice institutions should not remain silent when children are forced into marriage or subjected to sexual abuse.

Ndabamanya noted that some parents fear reporting child marriage cases because they expect to benefit from dowry, a practice he said allows violations against children to continue. He called on communities to treat child marriage as a serious violation of children’s rights and not merely as a family matter.

ASP Arnold Ndagije, the legal and human rights officer at Kigezi Regional Police, said the boy child is being left behind and is increasingly vulnerable to negative influences.

He said many boys are growing up without sufficient parental guidance, making them susceptible to harmful behavior, violence, substance abuse, and crime.

Kabale District Health Officer Dr. Gilbert Mateeka said poverty and economic hardship remain major drivers of child marriage, school dropout, sexual exploitation, and poor access to SRHR services.

LOSCO Executive Director Albert Taremwa said the dialogue was part of efforts to identify barriers affecting poor and marginalized communities in accessing SRHR services and justice in the Kigezi sub-region.

He said LOSCO’s baseline assessment examined challenges faced by marginalized groups and the role of justice, law, and order sector actors in responding to SRHR violations.

The stakeholders called for coordinated action among parents, health workers, police, justice institutions, schools, civil society organizations, and local leaders to protect children and ensure equitable access to health services and justice for all.