A 17-year-old girl died from internal injuries after her husband brutally beat her, exposing the deadly consequences of forced child marriage in Uganda. Mary Kabagenyi, a school dropout from Buyobo sub-county, lost her life on November 4, 2024—just two days after the attack.
Her husband, 38-year-old Tom Lwanga, assaulted her during an argument over money. He beat her with a stick and kicked her repeatedly in the stomach. The injuries proved fatal.
Mary entered the marriage at age 15, after her family accepted a dowry in an informal agreement. The marriage followed local custom but had no legal registration. Local leaders recall seeing signs of abuse and said they tried to intervene. However, poverty and tradition prevented any lasting solution.
“She was just a child,” said Ruth Namisango, a local women’s leader. “She wanted to return to school. But her life was traded away, and now it’s gone.”
Police launched an investigation, but Lwanga fled the village shortly after the incident. Authorities continue to search for him and urge the public to share any helpful information.
Activists now call on the government to enforce laws banning child marriage. Although national laws prohibit the practice, many rural communities still engage in it. Families often marry off girls due to financial hardship or pressure from cultural norms.
Mary’s death reflects a pattern seen across Uganda. Many girls suffer violence and isolation in early marriages. Advocates demand stronger law enforcement, public education, and school support programs to protect girls and prevent similar tragedies.
The news of Mary’s death has drawn public outrage. Her story now represents the many girls whose futures vanish under the weight of harmful traditions.
Local officials say they will continue pursuing Lwanga until he faces justice. Advocates insist that real change must happen now. Mary Kabagenyi’s death is not just a tragedy—it’s a call to end forced child marriage in Uganda for good.
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