ahead of the International Day of the Girl Child, Jane Muya, a 20-year-old peer educator and young mother from Adjumani District, assumed the role of British High Commissioner to Uganda for a day.
The symbolic leadership handover, part of Plan International’s Girls’ Takeover initiative, shines a spotlight on this year’s theme: “Skilling and Expanding Economic Opportunities for Girls.”
Muya’s personal story is one of resilience and transformation. She became a mother at 15 after dropping out of school, a fate shared by many girls in Uganda due to early marriage and limited access to education. But Muya refused to let her story end there.
Today, she mentors 35 young mothers in her community through safe spaces that offer psychosocial support, parenting guidance, and life skills training.
“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 leaders of the future. Young women can have high aspirations and drive Uganda’s economic growth.”
Muya said during her official address as High Commissioner. The event was hosted by Her Excellency Lisa Chesney MBE, the current British High Commissioner to Uganda, who praised 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 all walks of life. I want to see a future where all girls can aspire to reach the top of their chosen professions,” said Chesney.
The symbolic handover was not just a photo opportunity, but a call to action. According to Phoebe Kasoga, Country Director of Plan International Uganda, it underscores the urgency of investing in girls’ futures.
“Jane Muya’s story reflects both the challenges many girls face and the possibilities that emerge when they are empowered,” said Kasoga.
“This takeover is not only symbolic, it is a rallying cry to accelerate efforts to end child marriage and create an environment where girls can thrive as equal partners in shaping Uganda’s future.”
The Girls’ Takeover initiative, run by Plan International, places girls in influential roles around the world to raise awareness of the obstacles they face, such as child marriage, gender-based violence, and lack of access to education and to showcase their leadership potential.
As the world prepares to mark the International Day of the Girl Child 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.
