Determinants of age at first marriage in Tororo district Uganda.
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Date
2026
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Busitema University
Abstract
Age at first marriage is an important demographic indicator that influences educational attainment, reproductive health, fertility, women's empowerment, and socioeconomic development. Despite national efforts to reduce child marriage, early marriage remains common in Uganda, particularly in rural districts such as Tororo. This study examined the determinants of age at first marriage among women in Tororo District, Uganda.A quantitative cross-sectional research design was employed using a sample of 320 respondents selected through stratified and simple random sampling techniques. Data were collected using structured questionnaires administered through Kobo Collect and analyzed using descriptive statistics, independent sample t-tests, one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA), Pearson correlation, and multiple linear regression. The dependent variable was age at first marriage, while explanatory variables included education level, parental education, household wealth, employment status, residence, cultural practices, media exposure, legal awareness, and demographic characteristics.The findings revealed that the mean age at first marriage among ever-married respondents was 19.8 years. Education emerged as the strongest determinant of age at first marriage, with respondents attaining tertiary education marrying significantly later than those with no formal education (p < 0.001). Urban residents married significantly later than rural residents (p < 0.001), while higher parental education was positively associated with delayed marriage (p < 0.001). Cultural practices, particularly family pressure and bride wealth, remained influential in promoting early marriage. Conversely, religion showed no statistically significant association with age at first marriage (p = 0.696). The study concludes that educational attainment, socioeconomic status, parental education, and place of residence are key determinants of marriage timing in Tororo District.The study recommends strengthening girls' access to secondary and tertiary education, improving household economic opportunities, enhancing community awareness on the legal minimum age of marriage, and engaging cultural and religious leaders in interventions aimed at reducing early marriage. These findings provide evidence to inform district and national policies targeting the elimination of child marriage and the promotion of women's health and socioeconomic empowerment.
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Undergraduate research report
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Namuyomba, I. (2026). Determinants of age at first marriage in Tororo district Uganda. [Unpublished undergraduate research report]. Busitema University.