KAMPALA — Minister of State for Youth and Children Affairs, Dr. Mercy Faith Lakisa, has called for stronger policy action, targeted investment and coordinated efforts to protect the rights, safety and future of girls in Uganda.
Dr. Lakisa made the call while marking the International Day of the Girl Child 2026 under the theme “Change Her Forecast,” stressing that creating a better future for girls requires more than awareness campaigns.
The minister, who is also the Alebtong District Woman Member of Parliament, said girls’ rights must be treated as fundamental human rights and protected through deliberate measures that address the barriers limiting their opportunities and potential.
She emphasized the need for decisive policy action and increased investment in initiatives that can improve the lives of girls, arguing that their future depends on the ability of government and society to address the challenges affecting them.
Dr. Lakisa said efforts to transform the lives of girls should move beyond fragmented interventions and instead embrace strong partnerships involving government, development partners, civil society and communities.
She called for collective action to strengthen protective laws and create environments where every girl can grow, develop her talents and participate fully in society without facing barriers that undermine her dignity.
Dr. Lakisa also challenged media institutions to play a stronger role in promoting accountability by exposing injustices, challenging harmful social practices and protecting the privacy and dignity of survivors.
She said meaningful progress requires stakeholders to work together, remain accountable and ensure that programmes designed to support girls translate into measurable improvements in their lives.
As Uganda continues to focus on the welfare of children and young people, Dr. Lakisa’s message places the protection, empowerment and development of girls at the centre of efforts to build a more equitable future for the next generation.
