The Noble Islamic Dawa and Development Association (NIDDA) has launched a fundraising marathon aimed at combating the soaring rates of early marriages and school dropouts in the Bukedi and Bugisu sub-regions.
The association’s chairman, Mudiya Mubaraka announced that the marathon is scheduled for September 26, 2026. The event will serve as a critical platform for mobilizing communities and raising resources to support vulnerable children and keep them in the classroom.
Speaking during a stakeholder meeting on Sunday in Nakaloke Town Council, Mubaraka noted that the initiative seeks to address growing concerns over the increasing number of young people particularly girls who are leaving school prematurely to enter early marriages.
We have resolved to organize this marathon as part of our urgent efforts to reduce early marriages and school dropouts in the Bukedi and Bugisu sub-regions, Mubaraka said. Our members have also agreed to invite the Speaker of Parliament as the Chief Guest, while Ambassador Barbara Owundo will feature as the Guest Speaker.
The chairman of the organizing committee, Wabuje Sam, revealed that the organization requires more than Shs100 million to facilitate pre-marathon activities and an additional Shs600 million for post-marathon interventions and hands-on community projects aimed at addressing the root causes of the problem.
Our findings show that many teenagers in the region are not safe. We are therefore calling upon all stakeholders to come together and save the future of our children, Wabuje said.
Wabukye calls upon residents, political leaders, religious leaders, and the business community to support the campaign, noting that many teenagers in the two sub-regions face significant challenges that expose them to early marriages and school dropout.
