Activists have shed light on the persistent challenge of porous borders and cross-border relations impeding the complete eradication of female genital mutilation (FGM) in the Karamoja region. Emphasizing the need for a regionally integrated approach, they assert that tackling this age-old practice requires coordinated efforts.
Speaking at a media briefing in Entebbe on Wednesday, representatives from the Nagguru Teenage Information and Health Centre (NTIHC) disclosed that individuals, either by choice or influenced by parents, travel to Kenya for FGM services without legal repercussions before returning after the healing process.
Sam Asiimwe, NTIHC’s Head of Programs, stated, “This cross-border practice is a significant obstacle in our fight against FGM. The services are often provided by relatives or known experts residing across the border, taking advantage of legal gaps.”
Silas Isabirye, the organization’s Monitoring and Evaluation Manager, explained the challenges faced due to Uganda’s legal framework and ongoing advocacy against the practice. “Our legal framework and ongoing advocacy efforts have posed hurdles for proponents of this practice, but cross-border dynamics continue to present challenges,” said Isabirye.
During a recent visit to Bukwo district, Asiimwe received reports that twenty girls had crossed into Kenya for the procedure. FGM, perceived as a ritual marking a girl’s transition to marriage, has faced criticism from medical experts who label it as a dehumanizing act with lasting detrimental effects on women’s sexual, emotional, physical, and health well-being.
Esther Makula, NTIHC’s Communications Officer, emphasized, “FGM is not just a health issue; it’s a driver for early school dropouts among girls in the region. We are intervening to support these at-risk girls by ensuring their education and safety.”
Isabirye pointed out poverty as a driver for FGM, citing dowry payment for mutilated girls and the belief that children from early marriages are considered “wealth.” Additionally, Isabirye addressed the prevalence of teenage pregnancies and early sexual activity contributing to Uganda’s maternal mortality rate and the risk of HIV/AIDS among youths.
“Access to information and services remains a challenge for 22% of teenagers due to information gaps, unfriendly service provision, or stock-outs, exposing them to risks,” stressed Isabirye.
In efforts to improve youth services, NTIHC seeks stronger media partnerships for information dissemination. Joshua Thembo, collaborating with the organization, stated, “We need to engage young people through their preferred sources of information, including social media, peers, radio, toll-free calls, health workers, and educational materials.”
Journalists recommended involving them in field visits, capacity-building, leveraging new media, and publishing periodic adolescent reproductive health issues to effectively reach and engage young people. The push for comprehensive media involvement aims to bridge the information gap and create awareness to combat FGM and its associated challenges in the region.