Uganda’s Minister of State for Gender and Culture, Peace Mutuuzo, has strongly condemned the traditional practice known as “okusika,” calling on parents and cultural leaders to stop teaching young girls to engage in it.
Her remarks have sparked national debate about culture, modernization, and the wellbeing of children.
Speaking during a brief media interaction, Mutuuzo described the habit of pulling as outdated and lacking meaningful value for today’s generation.
She argued that some traditions, though deeply rooted in history, may no longer serve a helpful purpose in modern society.
Okusika, a cultural practice among some communities in central Uganda, involves the elongation of the labia and is traditionally taught to young girls as preparation for marriage. Supporters consider it a long-standing custom linked to marital expectations.
However, the minister questioned whether such practices truly protect marriages or improve the lives of girls.
She stated clearly that visiting the bush for such teachings does not add practical value to a child’s development.
Mutuuzo emphasized that what children need most today is education and financial empowerment.
According to her, teaching young girls about marriage at an early age shifts their focus away from personal growth and academic achievement.
She further explained that Uganda is now part of a globalized and multicultural world. In her view, certain traditional practices may not even be understood by people from other cultures if these girls later marry outside their community or country.
The minister suggested that parents should prioritize teaching values that help children become independent and financially stable. She believes that mindset change is key to national development.
Mutuuzo pointed out that many girls are introduced to marriage-related teachings as early as 13 years old. She expressed concern that such early exposure could influence their thinking and distract them from focusing on school.
According to her, about 25 percent of girls drop out of school due to pressures linked to early marriage discussions and related cultural teachings. She argued that young girls should be allowed to grow, mature, and make their own informed decisions later in life.
The minister stressed that culture should evolve to meet the needs of modern society. While traditions are important, she believes they must be evaluated based on whether they positively impact children’s futures.
Her comments have received mixed reactions. Some Ugandans agree with her stance, saying that certain practices should be reexamined in light of education and human rights.
Others argue that cultural traditions form a vital part of identity and heritage. They believe that abandoning such practices may weaken community bonds and historical continuity.
Mutuuzo, however, insists that culture must not limit opportunity. She says parents should ask themselves whether a specific practice truly adds value to their child’s life.
She also highlighted the importance of economic empowerment. In her view, financial independence offers more protection and stability in marriage than traditional rituals.
The minister’s remarks reflect a broader conversation in Uganda about balancing tradition with modernization. As education levels rise and global influences grow stronger, cultural norms are increasingly being questioned.
Child rights activists have welcomed her statement, saying it encourages critical thinking about practices that affect young girls’ physical and emotional wellbeing.
Religious leaders and cultural elders, on the other hand, may find the comments challenging. For them, customs like okusika are often seen as rites of passage passed down through generations.
Mutuuzo’s message ultimately calls for reflection rather than confrontation. She is urging society to carefully assess whether certain norms help or hinder children’s development.
Her call to “stop teaching girls to pull” is part of a larger push to prioritize education, self-worth, and long-term success. She believes that when girls are empowered academically and financially, they can make informed choices about marriage on their own terms.
As the debate continues, the issue highlights an important question facing many societies today: how to preserve cultural identity while ensuring that traditions truly benefit the next generation.
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