The Kabale District Senior Probation Officer, Monica Muhumuza, has raised concern over increasing cases of child neglect, abuse and family breakdown, warning that parental irresponsibility is undermining children’s education, emotional well-being and protection.
Muhumuza said the district had registered 38 cases of child neglect from July to date, saying some parents, particularly fathers, have failed to provide basic necessities for their children, including scholastic materials, school uniforms, food and other essential needs, leaving mothers to shoulder most of the responsibility.
She said some children are unable to attend school regularly because their parents have not provided the materials they need for learning. According to Muhumuza, the situation is particularly difficult for mothers who are separated from their partners and have to provide for their children while meeting their own needs.
She warned that parental neglect deprives children of the care, love and support they need to grow into responsible members of society.
CUE IN MUHUMUZA…ON CHILD NEGLECT…RR/ENG//
She revealed that her office had registered 22 cases of domestic violence in the same period, saying that the trend is observed in emotional and physical abuse. She noted that some parents use hurtful language, discriminate among their children and subject them to treatment that damages their self-esteem. She emphasized the need for parents to take responsibility for their children’s welfare, regardless of whether they are living together or are separated.
CUE IN MUHUMUZA…ON DOMESTIC VIOLENCE…RR/ENG//
She observed that her office has received 14 cases involving juveniles in conflict with the law and seven cases of family desertion emphasizing the need for parents to take responsibility for their children’s welfare, regardless of whether they are living together or are separated.
CUE IN MUHUMUZA…ON DESERTION & LAW…RR/ENG//
She said the probation office had also handled nine cases of illegal entry, four cases of child abandonment, intercepted an attempted child marriage involving a 15-year-old girl, with the alleged perpetrator still on the run, highlighting the need for stronger community vigilance and collaboration among parents, local leaders, police and child protection agencies to prevent practices that expose children to harm.
CUE IN MUHUMUZA…ON THE MATTER…RR/ENG//
The probation officer also said the office had handled four paternity test cases, with results for three already returned, while one result was still pending from the Government Analytical Laboratory in Wandegeya, Kampala, asking parents to take responsibility.
CUE IN MUHUMUZA…ON PARENTS…RR/ENG//
