A trusted collaborator on ending child marriage

In 2024, Girls Not Brides Uganda deepened its role as a trusted government partner, through collaboration with the Ministry of Gender and the Ministry of Education on the implementation of Uganda’s National Strategy to End Child Marriage. The government announced the strategy had been rolled out in 34 of Uganda’s 143 districts and pledged deeper national multi-sectoral collaboration and implementation. Girls Not Brides Uganda was instrumental in localising the strategy by translating it into local languages and adapting it into accessible formats to support grassroots understanding and engagement.

Girls Not Brides Uganda supported the reinstatement of the Sexual Offences Bill to criminalise child marriage, signing Memorandums of Understanding with parliamentary forums focused on children and teenage pregnancy. They helped ensure the prioritisation of adolescent girls’ needs by shaping the National Adolescent Health Costed Implementation Plan, and through collaboration with the Interreligious Council of Uganda, Makerere University, and cultural leaders on promoting social norm transformation, with an emphasis on the integration of the rights of women and girls.  

“Our National Partnership is a beacon of hope for many young girls whose futures depend on our actions. Together, we will amplify their voices, advocate for their rights, and ensure that every girl in Uganda can pursue her dreams free from the threat of child marriage.”
- Co-chair elect, Girls Not Brides Uganda.

Local engagement shaping policy and social norms change

Girls Not Brides Uganda expanded its membership from 106 to 144 civil society organisations, extending its reach into post-conflict areas in the North and East, where child marriage remains highly prevalent. Using its community networks, they engaged clan clusters in culturally sensitive dialogue around the National Strategy to End Child Marriage, leading cultural and traditional leaders in Gulu and Nebbi to become key champions in efforts to end child marriage.

Girls Not Brides Uganda organised five regional Girls Summits, a cornerstone of their country-wide mobilisation and engagement. Notably, the Central Region’s summit was co-hosted by the Buganda Kingdom for the first time. These summits helped shape Uganda’s National Sexuality Education Framework through a study covering 74 districts in the North and East, informing improved guidance on issues such as the re-entry of pregnant girls into school, credited by local leaders in the prevention of vulnerable girls being forced into early marriage. The flagship National Girls Summit served as a national platform to elevate girls’ voices, share their experiences and advocate for stronger legal protections. Members presented an Issue Brief on child marriage and teenage pregnancy to Hon. Lillian Aber, Uganda’s Minister for Disaster Preparedness, who committed to taking the outcomes of the summit to senior government stakeholders.

Strengthening governance and leadership for collective action

The year also marked a successful leadership transition for the Ugandan National Partnership. The inclusive process concluded with the launch of a five-year strategic plan (2023–2028), aimed at strengthening coordination, addressing harmful norms, and building girls’ agency. The transition reinvigorated member engagement and was widely celebrated as a milestone for sustainability and youth leadership.

“This transition process has been a transformative experience, giving me the courage and motivation to push for meaningful change, not just within my organisation but also across the Alliance. It has shown that with dedication, young leaders can indeed make a significant impact.”
- Central Region Coordinator for Girls Not Brides Uganda.

“Our first leadership transition is a bold step for Girls Not Brides Uganda. I look forward to greater collaboration, transparency, and grassroots engagement.”
– Member, Girls Not Brides Uganda.