Remand home not bad - minister Kinobe

By Flavia Nakagwa

JUST because Kampiringisa is a rehabilitation centre, children should not shun it, the youth and children affairs minister, James Kinobe, has advised.

He explained that the centre in Mpigi district had become a home to many homeless children and no one should associate it with doom.

“We all do not want children in rehabilitation homes but once there are extreme cases that need rehabilitation, we recommend that they come here,” Kinobe said on Monday at the launch of a play called “Give me a chance”. It was acted at the National Theatre by children from the rehabilitation centre.

The minister encouraged the children to be hopeful, adding that Kampiringisa was not the end of the road for them.

“The best place for a child is a home. They shouldn’t permanently be in rehabilitation centres because they need to be raised in their various cultures and keep their heritage going.”

Kinobe reminded parents that they have the obligation to raise their children and not abandon them.

The centre’s principal, Michael Alule, said it was important for children to be given a chance to exploit their potential even when in rehabilitation centres.

“Street children shouldn’t be deprived of education and the basic skills in life. Many of the children at the centre are very talented and we working hard to help them achieve their goals.”