大象传媒

Despite laws in Uganda to stop what's known as "courtship rape" and the under age marriage that usually follows, both practices are continuing and are widespread. But efforts are being made to try to do something about this.

In the countryside in the north of the country where the deep-rooted practices are common, people are working to raise awareness about the harm it does to the girls who dread the possibility of kidnapping and rape.

Christine Achii is a community officer for local government in the Kaabong district of Karamoja who is working to stop "courtship rape". She told Newsday why the practice persists.

"It's rare for the young girls to come and talk. Sometimes these [kidnappings] are arranged with the consent of their parents."

(Pic: Christine Achii; Credit: Christine Achii)