Failures in early marriages among young couples have been linked to gaps in parenting, largely driven by domestic violence and abuse within families, experts have warned. The concerns were raised during a two-day conference and dissemination of findings convened by Responsible Engaged and Loving (REAL) Fathers on Wednesday, focusing on the role of fathers in child upbringing and national development.
Anselm Wandega from the REAL Fathers organization said their findings show that intimate partner violence and violence against children are deeply interconnected, often occurring in the same households and reinforcing harmful patterns across generations. Wandega noted that exposure to violence, whether direct or indirect, affects children’s early development by undermining their sense of safety, emotional regulation, long-term health, and learning outcomes.
He added that fathers play a critical role in shaping children’s early development, yet they are often excluded from parenting and violence-prevention programs. According to Wandega, the REAL Fathers program is currently implemented in partnership with the government and other stakeholders in 71 districts across six sub-regions, targeting about 400,000 young children, 280,000 young fathers, and 280,000 spouses of young fathers, supported by 100,000 community mentors.
He explained that the program identifies young fathers experiencing violence in their families and enrolls them in a seven-month mentorship program, pairing them with role-model families within their communities to promote peaceful and supportive homes. Wandega said the initiative has registered significant success in reducing violence against children, curbing intimate partner violence, and improving early childhood outcomes.
Fred Ngabirano from the Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development, who delivered the message of the Permanent Secretary Agrey Kibenge, emphasized the importance of responsible fatherhood in strengthening families and improving child outcomes. Kibenge urged stakeholders to intensify efforts toward promoting engaged parenting amid growing social challenges, noting that fatherhood is deeply rooted in Uganda’s family system and aligns with the National Development Plan’s life-cycle approach.
“Fatherhood is a relationship, a process, and an asset that transcends generations,” Kibenge said, reflecting on his own upbringing under the guidance of his father and extended family. Citing the 2024 National Population Census, Kibenge noted that Uganda’s population stands at approximately 45.9 million, with children accounting for nearly half. He further referenced a 2021 AFRI Child Centre review commissioned by the ministry, which revealed that 10 percent of fathers are unaware of some of their children, while only five percent are both financially supportive and emotionally connected.
Kibenge attributed the trend of disengaged fatherhood to weakened moral values, economic migration, and resource constraints, warning that such gaps hinder human capital development and contribute to poor child outcomes, including low self-esteem, poor school performance, identity crises, and early marriages. Ngabirano added that even among fathers who provide financial support, many neglect emotional bonding, which should begin in early childhood and continue into adulthood.
He noted that the REAL Fathers approach identifies vulnerabilities across different age groups, from infants aged zero to four years to adolescents aged 15 to 19 years, that could undermine human capital development if left unaddressed.
The conference brought together line ministries, including Health, Gender, and Education, as well as development partners such as the Swedish Embassy, UNICEF, and other UN agencies. Local governments, religious institutions, and non-governmental organizations also participated, acknowledging that while childcare and protection are centralized by law, effective implementation requires strong community-level engagement.
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