Police warn parents of rising child abuse, exploitation as holidays start
“We have observed that when children break off, several offences start cropping up at a rate higher than normal. Sexual abuse, corporal punishment, labour exploitation, and exposure to rogue groups are common during holiday periods,” Kituuma said during the weekly joint security briefing.
Addressing journalists at Police headquarters in Naguru on Monday, August 18, 2025, Police spokesperson Rusoke Kituuma said past trends show a spike in child-related offences whenever schools close. (Credit: Mpalanyi Ssentongo)
By Simon Masaba
Journalists @New Vision
KAMPALA - Police have warned parents and guardians to remain vigilant as children return home for second-term holidays, citing rising cases of sexual abuse, corporal punishment, child labour and exploitation.
Addressing journalists at Police headquarters in Naguru on Monday, August 18, 2025, Police spokesperson Rusoke Kituuma said past trends show a spike in child-related offences whenever schools close.
“We have observed that when children break off, several offences start cropping up at a rate higher than normal. Sexual abuse, corporal punishment, labour exploitation, and exposure to rogue groups are common during holiday periods,” Kituuma said during the weekly joint security briefing.
He noted that some parents negligently expose children to risks by sending them on errands at night or leaving them unattended, making them vulnerable to abuse.
“You find a 16 or 17-year-old girl sent to the trading centre at 9:00pm, only for it to end up as a Police case of violence. Parents must understand that prevention begins at home,” he added.
Kituuma also warned against subjecting children to illegal punishments and harmful employment, including construction work, digging deep wells, or performing on pornographic stages known locally as “Ekimansulo.”
“The law prohibits corporal punishment and harmful child labour. If a child becomes a victim due to negligence, we shall hold accountable those who exposed them to such risks,” he said.
He further noted that some criminal gangs recruit children to carry out burglaries, especially in slum areas, while housemaids and children are often tricked into providing information used by thieves to plan attacks.
Kituuma reminded parents that defilement cases are criminal and cannot be withdrawn through private family arrangements.
“When a child is defiled, it is not within the freedoms of parents to determine whether the matter should be withdrawn. Such offences must be followed up to their logical conclusion,” he said.