The Uganda Police Force has warned parents and guardians to be vigilant as children begin their second term holidays in August 2025, citing a surge in cases of child abuse, neglect, and exploitation during school breaks.
Police Spokesperson ACP Rusoke Kituuma said the Force routinely registers incidents of sexual abuse, corporal punishment, child labor, neglect, and accidents during holidays.
He noted that many of the perpetrators are relatives, neighbors, coaches, or guardians, and that some parents fail to provide adequate supervision.
“Sexual abuse is a major concern, alongside cases of sexual activity between children. We also encounter widespread corporal punishment, which often results in serious injuries,” ACP Kituuma said.
He added that child labor remains a growing problem, with some children exposed to hazardous work such as handling dangerous machinery, working in extreme conditions, and, in some cases, being exploited in prostitution, pornography, and performances locally known as ebimansulo.
Police also raised concern over child neglect in urban areas, where children are abandoned or locked inside homes while parents engage in activities such as prostitution, leaving them at risk of fire outbreaks and other dangers.
According to ACP Kituuma, some parents attempt to settle abuse cases by seeking money from suspects, a practice known as sorting the parent. He emphasized that such settlements are illegal.
The Police urged parents to remain alert, supervise their children closely, and keep emergency contacts for local leaders and nearby police stations readily available.
The Source Reports.
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