Members of Parliament have during the plenary session expressed concern over the number of children suffering violence in the country with some cases reported while others overlooked.
They are asking government to institute a Children’s Authority that is aimed at monitoring and implementing children’s rights.
The legislators note that such a body will, in a comprehensive manner address the challenging situations children go through.
The Tuesday motion labeled, ‘ Promotion and Protection of the Rights of Children against Violence’ was raised by Hon. Judith Akello Franca (Agago) and Implementation of all Policies and Legislations relating to Children tabled by Hon. Judith Alyek (Kole).
The Legislators revealed that children’s rights are violated in their parents’ homes through being beaten and overly worked.
“The issue of the parents’ role is key to the support of children, let us legislate for the protection of these children and let us have the Children’s Authority instituted,” Hon. Hellen Asamo (PWD Eastern) stated.
Hon. Judith Alyek said that there is a need to rehabilitate street children and other children that are subjected to torture.
“We need to see the formation of a Children’s Authority to make it easy to monitor and implement children’s rights,” she added.
“We need to stop doing things haphazardly and streamline all the policies and processes of protecting children,” Hon. Judith Akello Franca said.
“It is sad to see a parent dump a child in the toilet; commit incest and rape, sacrificing a child for wealth and so many other things,” said Father Lokodo adding that, “Much as the motion seeks a special response towards children issues by the government, I want to reiterate the responsibility of families and schools. As adults and elders, we need to fight apathy.”
Humanitarian.org says young girls in Uganda who marry before the age of 18 exceeds 46%. The organisation adds that work is an everyday reality for about 36% of children between the ages of 5 and 14.
‘They are compelled to find an activity that will improve their families’ financial resources, or, if they are orphans, that will enable them to survive.’
marvin@ugchristiannews.com
