• Latest
The Root Cause of Child Abuse by Maids: A Call for Reflection

The Root Cause of Child Abuse by Maids: A Call for Reflection

January 4, 2025
Nandala Mafabi Pledges Fish Factory for Buvuma

Nandala Mafabi Pledges Fish Factory for Buvuma

September 30, 2025
Dormitories Torched After Strike at Nyakishojwa SSS

Dormitories Torched After Strike at Nyakishojwa SSS

September 30, 2025
VINAStech Advert
Korean Foundation Steps In to Tackle Sanitation Gaps in Eastern Uganda

KOFIH, OPM to Commission Modern Toilet Facility in Iganga

September 29, 2025
Uganda Airlines Under Fire Over Quality of Onboard Products

Uganda Airlines Under Fire Over Quality of Onboard Products

September 29, 2025
Mental Health Advocates Urge Government to Prioritize Prevention and Awareness

Mental Health Advocates Urge Government to Prioritize Prevention and Awareness

September 29, 2025
North Kyoga Police Alarmed by Rise in Domestic Violence-Related Murders

Police Warn of Planned Riot by UPC Supporters in Lango

September 29, 2025
Stolen Drugs Costing Lives, Says Dr. Namara

Stolen Drugs Costing Lives, Says Dr. Namara

September 29, 2025

Basajjabalaba bows out of Bushenyi district LCV race

September 29, 2025
Otafiire: No Law Bars Kyagulanyi from Opening Political Offices

Otafiire: No Law Bars Kyagulanyi from Opening Political Offices

September 29, 2025
Rain, Traffic, and Party Colors Grip Kampala on Nomination Days

EC Warns Candidates Against Violence as Campaigns Kick Off

September 29, 2025

CSOs Urge African Governments to Expand Access to Safe Abortion

September 28, 2025
Four KIU Students Injured in Kasese Road Crash

Four KIU Students Injured in Kasese Road Crash

September 28, 2025
  • About Us
  • Internship
  • Contact Us
Tuesday, September 30, 2025
Parrots Media
No Result
View All Result
  • Login
  • News
    Dormitories Torched After Strike at Nyakishojwa SSS

    Dormitories Torched After Strike at Nyakishojwa SSS

    Korean Foundation Steps In to Tackle Sanitation Gaps in Eastern Uganda

    KOFIH, OPM to Commission Modern Toilet Facility in Iganga

    North Kyoga Police Alarmed by Rise in Domestic Violence-Related Murders

    Police Warn of Planned Riot by UPC Supporters in Lango

    Stolen Drugs Costing Lives, Says Dr. Namara

    Stolen Drugs Costing Lives, Says Dr. Namara

    Basajjabalaba bows out of Bushenyi district LCV race

    Otafiire: No Law Bars Kyagulanyi from Opening Political Offices

    Otafiire: No Law Bars Kyagulanyi from Opening Political Offices

    Trending Tags

  • Climate Change
  • Business
  • Science and Technology
  • Sports and Entertainment
  • Business
  • Others
    • Education
    • Lifestyle
    • Religion
    • Opinions
  • News
    Dormitories Torched After Strike at Nyakishojwa SSS

    Dormitories Torched After Strike at Nyakishojwa SSS

    Korean Foundation Steps In to Tackle Sanitation Gaps in Eastern Uganda

    KOFIH, OPM to Commission Modern Toilet Facility in Iganga

    North Kyoga Police Alarmed by Rise in Domestic Violence-Related Murders

    Police Warn of Planned Riot by UPC Supporters in Lango

    Stolen Drugs Costing Lives, Says Dr. Namara

    Stolen Drugs Costing Lives, Says Dr. Namara

    Basajjabalaba bows out of Bushenyi district LCV race

    Otafiire: No Law Bars Kyagulanyi from Opening Political Offices

    Otafiire: No Law Bars Kyagulanyi from Opening Political Offices

    Trending Tags

  • Climate Change
  • Business
  • Science and Technology
  • Sports and Entertainment
  • Business
  • Others
    • Education
    • Lifestyle
    • Religion
    • Opinions
No Result
View All Result
Parrots Media
No Result
View All Result

The Root Cause of Child Abuse by Maids: A Call for Reflection

Charles Katabalwa by Charles Katabalwa
January 4, 2025
in Uncategorized
0
The Root Cause of Child Abuse by Maids: A Call for Reflection
0
SHARES
58
VIEWS
Share on FacebookShare on X

OPINION

I strongly oppose the 40-year sentence given to a maid for torturing a 4-year-old child. While the act was horrendous, we must look deeper into the root causes of such incidents to prevent them from happening in the first place.

READ ALSO

Nandala Mafabi Pledges Fish Factory for Buvuma

Dormitories Torched After Strike at Nyakishojwa SSS

In 1987, I was six years old. My father was a manager at the BAT Tobacco Company in Masindi. He often sent money home to support us, and one year, he promised to bring funds for iron sheets to complete the construction of a toilet at home.

When Christmas arrived, my father came home with his black briefcase. Instead of coming straight home, his friends intercepted him, and he went straight to a local bar. Before leaving, he told my mother and me to listen to the radio, promising to send greetings. A few minutes later, his voice came through the radio: “I love my boy Kute and others.” Those words brought joy but also sparked tension at home as my siblings wondered why I was singled out.

Later, pork was delivered to our home from Milton joint, and another gift came from a stranger, saying my father had sent the bag for my mum. Deep down, we knew he was drunk and unlikely to come home soon. By evening, my frustrated mother sent me to search for him. Bar after bar, I eventually found him. He was not pleased but asked me to wait with him. At midnight, we finally made it home.

The next day, my mother discovered that my father had spent most of the money meant for the iron sheets on drinks, leaving only 50,000 shillings. That evening, as my father (sober) sat outside cleaning his nails, my mother sent me to fetch a cup from the house. Excited to see my father, I rushed to bring it. However, I mistakenly brought a red cup instead of the blue one for cutting onions. My mother, already furious, slapped me hard across the face. I bled profusely, and my father said nothing. He packed his bags and left before Christmas.

It wasn’t until years later that I realized my mother’s anger wasn’t entirely about the cup; it was her frustration with my father, redirected at me.

The 2014 Nanny Incident

This brings me to November 24, 2014, when a video emerged of a nanny torturing a toddler. The footage shocked Uganda. The child’s father, suspicious after noticing wounds on the child, had hidden a camera in the house. The nanny, caught on tape brutally beating the child, admitted in court that her actions were revenge after being mistreated by the child’s mother. She was sentenced to four years in prison.

Understanding the Bigger Picture

From my experience as a social worker, I have observed a pattern: many families employ maids without truly considering the dynamics of the relationship. Most maids come from disadvantaged backgrounds, often dropping out of school. It is rare to find a maid who has completed higher education. Yet, families expect them to act and think like highly trained professionals.

Instead of providing guidance, many employers mistreat maids. They bark orders, harass them, and treat them as though they are inferior. How can we expect someone to care for our children with love and patience when they themselves are subjected to hostility and neglect. Some women even see maids as threats, constantly accusing them of inappropriate behavior with their husbands while others fail to pay maids on time, leading to frustration and resentment.

Building a Better Relationship

If you must employ a maid, here are some suggestions

1.Train and Empower Them: Recognize that most maids are uneducated and may lack basic social skills. Teach them how to interact with others and handle responsibilities. For example, a friend of mine takes her maid to her supermarket on weekends, allowing her to learn customer care service.

  1. Treat Them as Part of the Family: Build trust and inclusion. Recently, I attended a wedding where the matron was a former maid. Such gestures show respect and appreciation.

3.Pay Them on Time: Delaying salaries only breeds frustration and resentment.

4.Control Your Emotions: If you’re angry or stressed, don’t direct it at the maid or the children. Address the root cause of your frustration.

5.Respect Boundaries: Understand that these women are human beings, not machines.

 

The Real Cause of Child Torture

Child abuse by maids is often a reflection of the toxic environments in which they work. Psychological distress, mistreatment, and lack of support push some maids to vent their frustrations on innocent children.

Parents must take responsibility for the conditions they create in their homes. Before hiring a maid, ensure you are emotionally and financially prepared. Reflect on your behavior and treat your employees with dignity.

A Message for Maids and Parents

To all maids: I am deeply sorry for the mistreatment many of you endure. Please find ways to manage your anger and seek help if you are overwhelmed.

To parents: Your behavior sets the tone for your household. If you want your children to grow up in a safe and loving environment, start by treating those who care for them with respect.

Conclusion

The torture of children by maids is a tragic symptom of deeper societal issues. Until we address the mistreatment and neglect faced by maids, these incidents will continue. Let us all commit to creating healthier, more respectful homes for the sake of our children and our communities.

The writer is Omupakasi Kutegyeka Ivan Bajeh

Social Worker and CEO Baje Walking Africa

Tags: IGG Kamya

Related Posts

Nandala Mafabi Pledges Fish Factory for Buvuma
News

Nandala Mafabi Pledges Fish Factory for Buvuma

September 30, 2025
Dormitories Torched After Strike at Nyakishojwa SSS
News

Dormitories Torched After Strike at Nyakishojwa SSS

September 30, 2025
Korean Foundation Steps In to Tackle Sanitation Gaps in Eastern Uganda
News

KOFIH, OPM to Commission Modern Toilet Facility in Iganga

September 29, 2025
Uganda Airlines Under Fire Over Quality of Onboard Products
Business

Uganda Airlines Under Fire Over Quality of Onboard Products

September 29, 2025
Mental Health Advocates Urge Government to Prioritize Prevention and Awareness
News

Mental Health Advocates Urge Government to Prioritize Prevention and Awareness

September 29, 2025
North Kyoga Police Alarmed by Rise in Domestic Violence-Related Murders
News

Police Warn of Planned Riot by UPC Supporters in Lango

September 29, 2025
Next Post

Brig. Gen Bainababo Urges Students to Transform Society

POPULAR NEWS

Minister Amongi, Akena Scrapped from EC Voters’ Register Oops

Minister Amongi, Akena Scrapped from EC Voters’ Register Oops

September 3, 2025
Catholic Priest Speaks Out Against Museveni and Son’s Leadership

Catholic Priest Speaks Out Against Museveni and Son’s Leadership

February 16, 2025

“Life Is Scum”: Kabale University Student Leaves Suicide Note, Takes Own Life

July 25, 2025

Former IGP Okoth Ogola Dies

February 14, 2025

CAF Warns Fans Against Obscene and Politically Charged Jerseys at Namboole

August 20, 2025

EDITOR'S PICK

One killed by falling gate at Park Enkadde mall

One killed by falling gate at Park Enkadde mall

September 8, 2022

Two arrested over Mukono Supermarket armed robbery

June 27, 2022

Gunmen hijack Link Bus in Mityana

May 20, 2022

Youth Accuse NRM Leaders of Abandoning Democratic Values

November 19, 2024
VINAStech advert VINAStech advert VINAStech advert
ADVERTISEMENT

About

Parrots Media

A Public Relations and Media Services Company registered and licensed to operate in Uganda and the Great Lakes Region.

Follow us

Categories

  • Business
  • BUSINESS REPORTS
  • CLIMATE ACTION REPORTS
  • Climate Change
  • COMMUNITY REPORTS
  • Education
  • Entertainment
  • FEATURES
  • Health
  • Lifestyle
  • News
  • News
  • Obituary
  • OBITUARY
  • Opinions
  • RELIGION
  • Religion
  • Science and Technology
  • Sports
  • Sports and Entertainment
  • TOURISM

Recent Updates

  • Nandala Mafabi Pledges Fish Factory for Buvuma
  • Dormitories Torched After Strike at Nyakishojwa SSS
  • KOFIH, OPM to Commission Modern Toilet Facility in Iganga
  • Uganda Airlines Under Fire Over Quality of Onboard Products
September 2025
M T W T F S S
1234567
891011121314
15161718192021
22232425262728
2930  
« Aug    
  • About Us
  • Internship
  • Contact Us

© 2025 Parrots Media | Website Designed and Maintained by VINAStech

No Result
View All Result
  • Parrots Media
  • News
  • Business
  • Science and Technology
  • Sports and Entertainment
  • Lifestyle
  • Others
    • Climate Change
    • Education
    • Religion
    • Opinions

© 2025 Parrots Media | Website Designed and Maintained by VINAStech

Welcome Back!

Login to your account below

Forgotten Password?

Retrieve your password

Please enter your username or email address to reset your password.

Log In

You cannot copy content of this page