Early Marriages in Uganda: A Comparative Assessment of Determinants across Regions

Jude Otim, Makerere University
Robert Wamala, Makerere University

While early marriage is common in Uganda, not all girls face the same risk across regions. This study aimed at the socio-economic and enabling factors that influence early marriages across the regions of Uganda. Using a weighted sample of 13,768 ever married women from the 2016 UDHS. Frequency distributions, Pearson’s chi-square (x^2 ) test and multivariable logistic regression analyses were used. Early marriage was highest in Eastern region (30%), and lowest in Central region (19%). Across regions, key determinants of early marriage were; education level, age at first birth and age at first sex. However, residence, wealth status and religion were only predictors in Western region. Therefore, the study underscores the need to strengthen strategies that promote girl child education, delayed initiation of sexual intercourse and child birth as measures for addressing early marriage across regions. There is also a need to employ interventions that target women in Western region.