Education
Soroti city leader pushes for education programmes in remand homes
Mwesigwa argued that these children should have the same educational opportunities as adults in regular prisons who are allowed to study and take exams.
Soroti Street Children at Soroti Stadium. Uganda operates eight remand homes under the Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development. (Photo by Delux Emmy Alomu)
By: Deluxe Emmy Alomu, Journalist @New Vision
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Soroti city deputy town clerk, Joseph Mwesigwa, has urged the government to ensure that children in conflict with the law receive formal education while in remand homes.
He highlighted that around three children in the city are sent to the Mbale Remand Home each month, typically while they are still in primary education.
Mwesigwa argued that these children should have the same educational opportunities as adults in regular prisons who are allowed to study and take exams.
He believes that implementing formal education for remanded children would help protect their right to education in Uganda.
Benson Ekwe Ocen, executive director of the Public Affairs Centre of Uganda, supported this idea, suggesting the establishment of a system where teachers could provide lessons to these children while they are in remand.
Currently, Uganda operates eight remand homes under the Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development, which serve as short-term facilities for the rehabilitation and care of children aged 12 to 17 in conflict with the law.
Benson Ekwe Ocen, executive director of the Public Affairs Centre of Uganda, supported this idea, suggesting the establishment of a system where teachers could provide lessons to these children while they are in remand.
Currently, Uganda operates eight remand homes under the Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development, which serve as short-term facilities for the rehabilitation and care of children aged 12 to 17 in conflict with the law.