In a historic moment leading up to the International Day of the Girl Child, 20-year-old Jane Muya, a peer educator and young mother from Adjumani District, stepped into the role of British High Commissioner to Uganda for one day.
The symbolic leadership handover was part of Plan International's Girls' Takeover initiative, highlighting this year’s theme: “Skilling and Expanding Economic Opportunities for Girls.” Muya’s journey is one of resilience and transformation. After becoming a mother at 15 and dropping out of school - an experience all too common for many Ugandan girls due to early marriage and limited educational opportunities - Muya refused to let her circumstances define her future.
Now, Muya mentors 35 young mothers in her community, providing them with safe spaces that offer psychosocial support, parenting guidance, and life skills training.
“Today, I take on this role not only for myself but for all the girls whose dreams have been interrupted by child marriage. My story proves that girls can rise to become leaders of the future. Young women can aspire to reach great heights and contribute to Uganda’s economic development,” she stated in her address as High Commissioner.
The event was hosted by Her Excellency Lisa Chesney MBE, the current British High Commissioner to Uganda, who lauded Muya's courage and leadership.
“This takeover is a powerful reminder of the need to amplify girls’ voices. Empowered girls can become changemakers, leading in business and every aspect of life. I envision a future where all girls can aim for the top of their professions,” Chesney remarked.
Beyond a ceremonial gesture, the handover served as a call to action. Phoebe Kasoga, Country Director of Plan International Uganda, emphasized its significance in driving the need to invest in girls’ futures. “Jane Muya’s story reflects the challenges many girls face but also highlights the possibilities that emerge when they are empowered,” Kasoga said.
“This takeover is not just symbolic; it’s a call to accelerate efforts to end child marriage and create a space where girls can thrive as equal partners in shaping Uganda’s future.”
The Girls’ Takeover initiative, managed by Plan International, places girls in influential roles worldwide to raise awareness of challenges like child marriage, gender-based violence, and lack of education, while showcasing their leadership potential.
As the International Day of the Girl Child approaches on October 11, Jane Muya’s message is clear: girls are not just capable of leading in the future - they are ready to lead now.