Ahead of the global commemoration of the International Day of the Girl Child,11th October 2025, the British High Commission in Uganda has today handed over leadership, in a symbolic takeover, to Muya, a young mother and peer educator who grew up in Northern Uganda. This initiative highlights the importance of empowering girls and amplifying their voices in leadership, under the 2025 theme: “Skilling and Expanding Economic Opportunities for Girls.”
Muya, who became a mother at the age of 15 after dropping out of school, has since turned her life into a story of resilience and transformation. Today, she serves as a peer educator, mentoring 35 young mothers in her community through safe spaces that provide psychosocial support, parenting and life skills training. Her leadership is a testament to the potential of girls to thrive when given opportunities and platforms to participate.
Speaking about the takeover, Muya said: “Today I take on this role, not just for myself, but for all the girls whose dreams have been interrupted by child marriage. My story shows that girls can become the leaders or the future. Young women can have high aspirations and drive Uganda’s economic growth” Said Muya.
The British High Commissioner to Uganda, Her Excellency Lisa Chesney MBE, commended Muya’s courage and leadership, stating: “This takeover is a powerful reminder of the need to amplify girls’ voices. “Empowered girls can become changemakers, leading in business and all walks of life. I want see a future where all girls can aspire to reach the top of their chosen professions. ” Said Lisa.
Adding her voice, Phoebe Kasoga, Country Director of Plan International Uganda, said: Muya’s story reflects both the challenges many girls face and the possibilities that emerge when they are empowered. This takeover is not only symbolic, it is a call to action for all of us to accelerate our efforts to end child marriage and create an environment where girls can thrive as equal partners in shaping Uganda’s future.”Said Kasoga.
The symbolic leadershim handover is part of the Girls’ Takeover initiative by Plan international, a global campaign that places girls in positions of influence and leadership, to highlight the barriers they face and the limitless potential they hold to make change. This year girls’ takeovers underscore the urgent call to action for governments, communities, and international partners to accelerate efforts towards ending child marriage and advancing gender equality.
