Minister Warns Against Neglecting the Boy Child as Algeria Pledges More Scholarships to Ugandan Students

The Minister for Local Government Affairs in the Kabaka’s Government, Owek. Joseph Kawuki, has sounded the alarm over what he described as an increasing societal imbalance—where boys are being left behind while focus remains heavily tilted toward empowering the girl child.

Speaking during a talent showcase at Mumsa High School in Mpanga Busundo, Naama, Mityana, Owek. Kawuki warned that the sidelining of boys in education and moral development is contributing to rising indiscipline, broken families, and lost potential among young men.

“We have focused so much on empowering the girl child—which is commendable—but in the process, we have abandoned the boy child,” he said.

“The results are clear: we are raising boys without guidance, and they are growing into men who become a burden rather than a support to the very girls we protected.”

The event, themed “Promoting the Boy Child”, brought together students, teachers, religious leaders, and government officials for a day of music, drama, poetry, and art.

Participants used the occasion to reflect on how society can offer equal support and mentorship to both boys and girls.

Kawuki emphasized that many domestic and social problems—including rising cases of single motherhood—stem from a failure to nurture boys into responsible adulthood.

“It’s ironic. We protect the girl child so well, but then marry her off to a man who had no mentorship or character development,” he noted.

“The results are unhappy marriages, broken homes, and wasted potential.”

The school’s inter-house talent competition saw House Kintu take the top prize, followed by Jjunju, Kimera, and Bemba. Winners received medals, mattresses, and a trophy in recognition of their creative efforts.

Adding an international voice to the event, Algerian Ambassador to Uganda H.E. Mourad Amokrane, who served as chief guest, pledged continued support for Ugandan education.

“Algeria believes in the power of education to transform societies,” he said. “We are committed to supporting Ugandan students, especially in accessing quality higher education through scholarships.”

Kawuki concluded by urging parents, schools, and community leaders to recalibrate their approach to child upbringing and ensure that boys, like girls, receive the mentorship and guidance they need to become responsible citizens.

“We must stop raising children in halves,” he said. “Both boys and girls deserve equal investment if we are to build a balanced and stable future.”