By Charles Katabalwa,
NATIONAL
As Uganda prepares to host the continental commemoration of the Day of the African Child on June 16, 2024, child rights advocates are urging the public to prioritize child protection and responsible parenting. Compassion International, a child-advocacy ministry, has organized a Religious Leaders Dialogue on Children’s Rights to reflect on the bravery of children in Soweto who demonstrated against adult oppression.
Emmanuel Ahimbisibwe, National Director of Compassion International, emphasized that child protection is a significant challenge in Uganda and Africa, with cultural values and poverty hindering efforts to combat child abuse. “We face resistance when trying to stop practices like female circumcision, and poverty levels in areas like Northern Uganda make it difficult to implement children’s rights,” Ahimbisibwe said.
Religious leaders have also cautioned parents against neglecting their responsibility to discipline and guide their children, particularly boys. Rev. Canon Patrick Wakula, Anglican Bishop of Central Busoga Diocese, urged parents to teach their children to fear God and discipline them accordingly. Rev. Canon Enos Kitto Kagodo, Anglican Bishop of Mukono Diocese, condemned excessive freedom given to children, leading to non-productive behavior.
The advocates emphasized the importance of balancing children’s rights with responsible parenting, providing guidance and discipline to ensure a better future generation. Compassion International Uganda works to release children from spiritual, economic, social, and physical poverty through child sponsorship programs.
