August 12, 2005

Ugandan Legislator Proposes Scholarships for Female Virgins

By WACHIRA KIGOTHO

A Ugandan legislator has proposed "chastity" scholarships for girls who can prove they are virgins when applying for university admission.

Sulaiman Madada, a member of Parliament, says he hopes to raise money for the scholarships, which he believes would encourage schoolgirls to seek higher education and avoid early marriage and exposure to AIDS. "We do not want these girls to get exposed to AIDS, and I believe chastity scholarships will make a difference," he told the Ugandan daily