Day of the African Child

Jun 20, 2003

June 16, was set aside as the Day of the African Child to commemorate the death of hundreds of children killed in Soweto, South Africa on June 16, 1976.

By James Odong

June 16, was set aside as the Day of the African Child to commemorate the death of hundreds of children killed in Soweto, South Africa on June 16, 1976.

The children were killed for protesting an order by then White South African government, that they be taught in Afrikaans, the language of the White South Africans.

This is because Afrikaans is associated with apartheid (a political system that oppressed and discriminated against the Blacks in South Africa).

Our national celebrations were held at Madibira Primary School in Busia.

The theme of this year’s Day of the African Child was, ‘Birth Registration, a Child’s Right.

On behalf of the children of Uganda Winnie Nabwire, of Dabani Girls Senior Secondary appealed to parents to register all their newborn children as this enabled them to have an identity, a sense of belonging and to have the right to education, health and protection against all forms of child abuse.

Sam Bitangaro the Minister of State for Gender and Cultural Affairs, who was the chief guest warned those involved in all forms of child abuse such as child neglect, exploitation, violence, denial of food, sacrifice and defilement, that they would face the law.

Martin Mogwanja UNICEF’s country director said the registration of a child’s birth is the state’s acknowledgement of a child’s existence under the law.

“It is important to know the number of children born so that the nation can plan for them,” said Mogwanja.

In a memorandum, the children asked for represention in Parliament, so as to promote their rights.

“We want to have a voice in Parliament so that we take part in decisions that affect us,” said Nabwire.

She then presented a memorandum from the children to Bitangaro.

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