State Minister for Gender in Charge of Youth and Children, Hon. Dr. Balaam Barungahara Ateenyi, has urged the government to offer special recognition and support to Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) and Community Interest Companies (CIC’S) that care for vulnerable children and orphans.
Speaking at the belated celebrations of the Day of the African Child in Kabale district, Dr. Barungahara emphasized that such organizations should be exempt or handled with merit from government charges, including taxes and utilities, due to their crucial role in aiding the government’s efforts to support these children.
The event, held at the National Teachers’ College playground in Kabale Municipality, commemorated the Day of the African Child, celebrated annually on June 16th. This day marks the anniversary of the Soweto children’s uprising of 1976, during which thousands of South African students were killed while protesting against the apartheid government’s use of Afrikaans as the medium of instruction in Bantu schools.
Dr. Barugahara highlighted the importance of government support for institutions assisting vulnerable children and orphans, suggesting that these organizations should face limited or pardoned charges such as taxes and school fees in government institutions. He also proposed that the government allocate funds to support these institutions in educating vulnerable children and orphans.
Dr. Barugahara also expressed dissatisfaction with the health conditions of the children in the Kabale children’s remand home, which he visited on his way to the function. However, our cameras were not allowed inside the remand home. He described the situation as alarming, revealing that some of the remanded children are struggling with HIV, while others are malnourished. He further urged the judiciary to expedite the trial process for these children.
Henry Twinomuhwezi, Deputy Registrar for Kabale High Court, acknowledged challenges in the administration of justice but reaffirmed the judiciary’s commitment to addressing children’s issues collectively. He also pointed out parenting gaps at the household level that contribute to juvenile delinquency.
Monica Muhumuza Nzirwe, Kabale District Senior Probation Officer, noted that the Day of the African Child serves as a reminder of the local government’s role in improving children’s education in Kabale district. She highlighted a significant parenting gap, which has resulted in over 2.3% of children being unable to complete their education despite the provision of Universal Primary Education by the government. Muhumuza revealed that 75% of this percentage consists of boys, leading to higher dropout rates and subsequent involvement in criminal activities.
Ruth Ndyabahika Kendengye, founder of Grace Villa Girls’ Sanctuary and host of this year’s Day of the African Child in Kabale, criticized the government for imposing heavy taxes on orphanages and safe spaces for vulnerable children. She appealed for assistance from government institutions to help these organizations effectively support the children in their care.
Nakiiza Matina, speaking on behalf of the children, outlined various challenges faced by youth and children in different community settings, affecting their daily lives.
Uganda celebrated the Day of the African Child last Sunday in Kiryandongo district under the theme “Education for All Children in Africa: The Time is Now.”
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