Hon. Roland Ndyomugyenyi Bish, the Rukiga County Legislator, has called for a unified effort to protect and uphold children’s rights. Ndyomugyenyi made this appeal today while officiating the belated Day of the African Child celebrations at Nyikunama Playground in Muhanga Town Council, Rukiga District.
The event, which began with a vibrant band procession through Muhanga Town, was dedicated to commemorating the Day of the African Child. This day, celebrated annually on June 16th, marks the anniversary of the Soweto children’s uprising of 1976, when thousands of South African students were killed while protesting the apartheid government’s policy of using Afrikaans as the medium of instruction in Bantu schools.
In his address at the function, Hon. Ndyomugyenyi asked youth and children to be responsible for their future urging them to work hard and not use child labor as an excuse to avoid responsibilities.
“Child labor is highly discouraged, especially when young individuals are assigned tasks that exceed their age capabilities. However, there is a need to cultivate a strong work ethic from a young age to assist their families and develop skills that will benefit them in the future. It is crucial for them to engage in work rather than using the excuse of child labor to avoid responsibilities,” said Hon. Ndyomugyenyi.
Hon. Ndyomugyenyi also stressed the importance of a collective approach in advocating for children’s rights. He highlighted the need for children and youth to prioritize their education and called upon parents to protect their children from harm.
“Parents must be vigilant and take care of their children to prevent cases of defilement, rape, and theft. These issues are of great concern in our district amongst the children and youth, and we must work together to eliminate them,” Ndyomugyenyi urged.
Hon. Ndyomugyenyi also called for continued efforts in Rukiga District to create a safer and more supportive environment for children. He emphasized the importance of education and community vigilance, aiming to cultivate a culture that prioritizes the well-being and development of young people.
Speaking at the same function, the Rukiga District Deputy RDC, Zadok Kamusime, disclosed that the district security committee had convened an urgent meeting to address the issue of defilement. He also mentioned a troubling trend where parents in the district use their daughters who have been defiled as bargaining tools to extort money from the perpetrators. He sternly warned parents about this practice.
The Rukiga District Community Development Officer, Dorothy Mbaguta Okello disclosed that the district, together with various stakeholders, caters to 1,024 children across different sectors. She says that this includes 320 child-headed families, 20 recorded defilement cases between 2023 and 2024, 210 neglected children, and 200 victims of domestic violence. She further emphasized the need for support for the probation office to promptly assist these children.
The Day of the African Child serves as a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made by young activists in the past and the continued need to fight for the rights and safety of children across the continent.
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