Children demand protection from Government

Jun 16, 2018

They said poverty is forcing parents to marry off children in order to get money in form of bride price.

PIC: Pupils of Nyamarunda Junior Primary School  presenting a poem at St Kirigwajo SS in Kibaale district to mark the African Child Day on June 16, 2018. (Credit: Ismael Kasooha)

KIBAALE- Children have asked the Government to protect them against kidnaps to and fro school.

Marvin Murungi from Duhaga Boys Primary school Hoima, while reading the children's message, said they fear going to school and even returning home because of increased kidnaps in the country.

"We demand that the Government protects us from these kidnaps if we are to get involved in the development of our country Uganda," said Murungi.

They said poverty is forcing parents to marry off children in order to get money in form of bride price.

"Parents do not want to work, hoping that they will marry us off for money," said Agnes Kabonesa from Soroti, one of the victims of early forced marriage, gave a testimony at the function.

Violet Nanyonga from Kisiita Primary School said Uganda needs to create a formal platform where children's issues can be reported and addressed. Nanyonga said parents have not involved them in planning and making decisions in homes, which leaves a huge gap in development.

"Give us an opportunity to participate in all activities for the development of the country", said Nanyonga.

Lydia Najjemba, the national co-ordinator for orphans and vulnerable children from World Vision, said research has revealed that 35% of the girl children in Uganda are sexually abused while 17% of the boys are also sexually abused.

Najjemba said torture of children contributed a lot to school dropouts. She said there is need to strengthen household incomes to reduce on vulnerability and also asked concerned parties to report sexual abuse to authorities immediately," said Najjemba.

 First Lady and education Janet Museveni (wearing white) and finance minister Matia Kasaija (second-right) inspect stalls at the function after planting a tree

 

 These young stars relax as they attend the ceremony of the African Child Day

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