Local authorities in Bobi Sub County, Gulu district have raised concern that parents are likely to take advantage of the school holidays in order to force young girls to marry older men.
They say as it has been the case where young girls are married off in order to obtain bride price.
In villages across Bobi Sub County, Police record between three to four cases of child marriage every month.
According to the Sub County officials, a man will be have to pay around Shs150, 000 plus two goats to the family of the bride in a cultural practice known as Aranga before he can take her as wife.
Mr Marino Owino, the area LC I Chairperson for Patoo village, “When parents are questioned on the whereabouts of their girl-child, they make excuses that they are for holidays with relatives in order to avoid raising suspicion.”
“But after some time, surprisingly, the missing girl resurfaces with a baby.” He added.
Mr Martin Alobo Ongom, the area LC III Chairperson says reports of early marriages are overwhelming.
Ongom faulted the parents and said they have turned the marriage of young girls into a kind of business rather than investing in their education.
He also noted that the problem is being fueled by poverty.
Ms Jessica Anena, the Gulu District Senior Probation Officer says the practice is common during dry season when children are on holidays and are back with their parents.
Anena says her office is always overwhelmed with such reports where girls are married off at a tender age.
The District Senior Probation Officer said the most affected Sub Counties are Bobi and Lakwana where between 30- 45 percent of girls are married off before the age of 18.
Mr Tobby Odongo, 36, a resident of Bobi Sub County blamed the problem on widespread poverty.
Odongo, a father of six explained that because of limited economic opportunities in the area coupled with alcoholism, parents tend to think that marrying off their daughters would pull them out of chronic poverty.
“Unless parents understand that educating girls will not only empower the girl- child but the family as a whole, the trend is likely continue for many years to come,” He said.
Part of the problem is also blamed on negative cultural practices and poverty among families who are just recovering from the effect of the LRA led insurgency.
Mr Edwin Atukunde, the OC Station at Gulu Central Police Station says whenever there is a sexual offence case against children, parents normally wants to cover it up.
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