Deputy Mufti calls for stronger family systems to protect children

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The Deputy Mufti of Uganda, Sheikh Ali Waiswa, has warned against the increasing violence against children, describing it as “a stain on our collective conscience.” He called on Ugandans to strengthen family systems to protect children from abuse.

Sheikh Waiswa said the alarming levels of child abuse demand urgent national attention. “Nearly six out of ten girls and seven out of ten boys experience physical violence, while 35 percent of girls endure sexual violence. These acts occur in places meant to be safe havens; our homes, schools, and communities and the perpetrators are often those known and trusted,” he said.

Sheikh Waiswa was speaking during the graduation of 65 professionals in the Science of Evidence-Based Parenting Interventions at Hotel Africana on October 23, 2025.

He commended the initiative for bridging the gap between research and practice, saying it would help revolutionise parenting, strengthen family units, and lay the foundation for a more peaceful society.

The course was designed by Makerere University’s Child Health and Development Centre (CHDC) in partnership with the Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development to build the capacity of parenting practitioners.

Dr Godfrey Siu, a senior lecturer at Makerere University’s Department of Child Health and Development, said that over the past few years, they have been working to support the government to improve investment in parenting and child well-being.

Dr. Godfrey Siu, a Senior Lecturer at Makerere University’s Department of Child Health and Development Centre speaking during the graduation of professionals who completed a course in the Science of Evidence-Based Parenting Interventions at Hotel Africana. (Photo by Violet Nabatanzi)

“One of the challenges government identified was the absence of professionals with the specific skills needed to design quality parenting programmes. We have been running this training to close that gap,” Dr Siu said.

The professionals trained include probation officers, community development officers, and programme officers from NGOs working in child protection and family well-being across several districts, among others.

“We have retooled them with skills to design programmes that work, programmes based on scientific rigour. They can now apply systematic approaches to designing and scaling interventions that align with government policy,” he added.

“Over the past one year, Makerere University CHDC has graduated at least 130 professionals from the course,” he said. According to Dr Siu, many of them are already applying their skills to design better parenting, mental health, and child protection programmes aimed at reducing harsh discipline and gender-based violence.

Dr Richard Idro, deputy principal of Makerere University College of Health Sciences, noted that today’s parenting environment is vastly different from the past, with longer school hours, social media, and limited community interaction affecting how children are raised.

“Many of us as parents are working, often both parents leaving children in the care of others. These new realities make structured parenting initiatives even more critical,” Dr Idro said.

Prof. Richard Idro, Deputy Principal of Makerere University College of Health Sciences speaking during the graduation of professionals who completed a course in the Science of Evidence-Based Parenting Interventions at Hotel Africana. (Photo by Violet Nabatanzi)

He added that younger parents have had little opportunity to learn the art of parenting due to modern social and economic pressures, making such training programmes vital for the country’s future.

Dr Herbert Muyinda, director of CHDC, commended funders for supporting the programme, noting that advancing research in this area would otherwise be too costly.

Dr Angela Nakafero, commissioner for gender and women affairs at the Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development, emphasised the importance of shared parental responsibility.

“We have left family care mainly to women and girls, and it’s very absurd. We need fathers. Shared roles and responsibilities are critical,” she said.

She urged men to actively participate in raising children. “If you choose to be in a polygamous marriage, be prepared to deliver on your roles and responsibilities in all the homes you have created. Don’t always blame women, play your role as a father,” she said.