The Aliguma Foundation through its ‘Ndi Mwana’ program on Saturday preached the message of Girl Child Protection to the residents of Acholi Quarters slum settlement in Banda B1, Nakawa Division-Kampala Uganda.
The lively exercise that was held at the Aliguma Foundation playground located in the same area attracted individuals from corporate organizations, diplomats, community leaders, media and the locals themselves, with the aim of the event being to create awareness for the protection of the girl child and strengthen the rule of law and peace building in Acholi Quarters and other slum settlements across Uganda.
According to the Aliguma Foundation CEO & Founder, Ritah Aliguma, they are using football as a front to change lives and mindsets of slum dwellers to ensure that girl child is protected but also considering the needs of boy child.
“Today is a very special day in the community of Acholi Quarters, here where we use football to change lives in different ways,” Aliguma said adding that they have been having this idea since 2019.
“During the Slums Soccer Tournament, we had one of the girls who was sexually harassed. During that time we said we will definitely have a girl child campaign. We were to have the campaign last year but Covid-19 didn’t allow,” Aliguma noted adding that the campaign is not a one-off for they intend to engage the entire public regardless of age or gender to ensure that the objectives of the campaign are attained.
Joel Boutroue, Country Representative UNHCR who is a big fan of the Aliguma Foundation Slums Soccer Tournament says that the ‘Ndi Mwana’ campaign is another good platform to create awareness for the protection of the girl child.
“I think this is the third time I am coming to Acholi Quarters. Today I’m here because most residents here are internally displaced people so we stand in solidarity with those who have suffered with conflict,” Boutroue said adding that he hopes the foundation’s playground gets completed soon for it can becoming a good hub for change.
The foundation also handed over sanitary pads, balls and the like to some of its beneficiaries.
Community leaders including some female figures from different walks of life also spoke at the event and all hinted on matters regarding the protection of the girl child from harmful elements in society, giving possible remedies for curbing the problem.
The Aliguma Foundation is a social charity organization that fosters sustainable development within otherwise marginalized populations in Acholi Quarters slum settlement via sports and enterprise. It’s a simple philosophy, but one that is having a tremendous impact on the population particularly children and their mothers.
