Hon Peace Mutuuzo Urges Dropping Outdated Cultural Norms for Children
Hon. Peace Mutuuzo, Uganda’s Minister of State for Gender and Culture, asks parents to forsake cultural practices that bring little benefit to children. She targets customs such as “visiting the bush” and “pulling” — activities taught by some traditional mentors known as Sengas. These conventions, she argues, fail to protect marriages or foster essential talents.
Mutuuzo prioritizes practical priorities above antiquated standards. Parents should prioritize financial independence and education. Children need tools to succeed in a worldwide society.
She points out that many Ugandans now marry foreigners who know little about local customs. Such traditions lose relevance in mixed couples.
The minister underlines significant harm from early exposure to marriage-focused preaching. Sengas often initiate girls as early as 13 to marriage roles and sexual behaviors. This early emphasis stimulates physiological responses and distracts from studies. Mutuuzo claims 25 percent of females drop out of school owing to these forces. She advocates for mentality shifts: evaluate every activity and ask if it actually adds value or preserves the future.
Secondly, that child might not even get married to a Muganda. They could get married to a Nigerian or South African who has no idea about these cultures, and it won’t be of use.
As Ugandans, we are trying to get rid of systems, traditions, and norms that do not add value to us, and that starts with the mindset. You need to ask yourself, “If I do something in particular, does it really add value to me? Will it really protect my marriage?”
25 percent of girls drop out of school because of these things Sengas teach them. They tell them about marriage at very young ages, as early as 13 years old. Their hormones must react to these things. Let them grow up and make their choices. Stop instilling things that do not add value to them.
Focus on empowerment instead. Teach children to pursue money and self-reliance. They can then make informed choices as adults. This strategy encourages independence and avoids unwanted demands.
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Uganda moves toward value-driven traditions. Parents have a vital impact by favoring education and economic ambitions over inflexible customs.
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