The deeply ingrained cultural practices among the Karimojong people of northeastern Uganda, has kept millions of girls out of school.
Early marriage is one of the norms that has contributed to the low education rate of girls despite the government's introduction of free education.
The 2011 Uganda Demographic and Health Survey, shows that the enrollment and attendance rate of students in Karamoja was significantly lower than that of the rest of the country.The region's deeply rooted cultural norms and values have not helped matters for the girl child. Bride price is one of the most significant traditional practices in this region. While some communities demand for more dowry based on their daughters level of education, in Karamoja, many men offer less dowry for educated girls.
Most educated girls like 16 year old Racheal Lokang have realised the value of education. But that has come at a high cost. They are often frowned upon by their parents and the society at large.
Officials of an international development organization called Voluntary Service Overseas are trying to change this state of affairs by working with schools and district leaders in Karamoja.