By Leonard Kamugisha Akida,
KAMPALA
The Uganda Police Force (UPF) has admonished traditional rulers, religious leaders, and other stakeholders in the country to help effect behavioural change amongst the population as part of their contribution to the fight against moral delinquency.
The spokesperson of police, ACP Moses Kituuma Rusoke, gave this charge in his address at a joint security press conference at police headquarters, Naguru Kampala on Monday.
In response to a media question about who is to blame for the rising cases of child abuse, including defilement and severe punishments, Rusoke stated that the police are yet to release a comprehensive annual crime report to provide a comparison of those leading in perpetuating child abuse. However, he attributed the issue to Ugandan adults who are failing to take action against the vice.
He said adults, traditional and religious leaders are character moulders, noting that without combining behavioural change advocacy, much may not be achieved in the fight against immorality hence the need for the input of these stakeholders in the society.
In addition, Rusoke observed that domestic violence in many families largely affects children’s social behavior, and some of them are molested by their biological parents.
“Usually in holidays, we register cases where children are molested, beaten, battered with severe marks of beating by their stressed parents,” he said.
Police said they will take actions against abusive parents and other members of the public noting that they’re committed to protecting the rights and freedoms of the young people.
“We need to warn you, you punish and harm these children, as police we shall come for you in the name of protecting their rights and freedoms,” said Rusoke.
