The Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA), in partnership with the Uganda Police, embarked on a citywide rescue operation to address the persistent issue of children living on Kampala’s streets.
The mission successfully rescued 161 vulnerable children who had been enduring dire conditions in the heart of the Ugandan capital.
This joint operation was a response to the alarming problem of child exploitation, especially concerning the use of children for begging and trafficking.
Key stakeholders, including Abaana Ministries and Dwelling Places, threw their support behind KCCA in this vital endeavor, providing essential food items to aid the rescued children.
These collaborative efforts exemplify a community-driven approach to tackling the intricate challenge of child vulnerability.
The operation specifically targeted street junctions within Kampala’s Central Business District, where these children are frequently found.
With compassion and unwavering determination, law enforcement and rescue teams safely retrieved these children, offering them a glimmer of hope for a brighter future.
The rescued children have been relocated to the Kobulin Youth Rehabilitation and Skilling Center in Napak district, where they will undergo comprehensive rehabilitation. This facility aims not only to provide them with a safe haven but also to equip them with the skills needed to reintegrate into society as productive individuals.
Sheila Birungi, the Director of Gender Community Services and Production at KCCA, shed light on the operation, emphasizing its alignment with The Kampala Child Protection Ordinance 2022.
Section 10 of the ordinance explicitly prohibits the act of sending a child to beg or solicit alms in public places, streets, offices, or commercial establishments. Furthermore, it forbids profiting from a child engaged in begging or soliciting alms.
Violators of these provisions face legal consequences outlined in the ordinance, including fines of up to 40,000 Ugandan shillings, imprisonment for a maximum of six months, or both. This stern warning serves as a deterrent to those who exploit vulnerable children for financial gain.
Earlier this year, the team successfully rescued 150 children. In 2022, KCCA initiated a similar effort, rescuing an astonishing 700 children from the streets and securing convictions for 36 child traffickers.
These actions underscore not only the persistence of the issue but also the unwavering commitment of KCCA and its partners in the fight against child exploitation.
Birungi emphasized the importance of parents and all Ugandans in protecting the rights and welfare of children. She stressed that children are the collective responsibility of society and should be nurtured and safeguarded, not subjected to exploitation and hardship.
As Kampala continues its tireless efforts to secure a brighter future for its most vulnerable residents, it is evident that the battle to rescue and protect street children is far from over.
However, with the implementation of The Kampala Child Protection Ordinance 2022 and the steadfast dedication of KCCA, law enforcement agencies, and supportive partners, the hope for a safer and more secure environment for Kampala’s children burns brighter than ever before.
