KASESE GRAPPLES WITH SURGE IN STREET CHILDREN AMID INTERNATIONAL DAY OF THE AFRICAN CHILD

As Uganda joins the world today to commemorate the International Day of the African Child, a somber reality persists in Kasese District. While the day is intended to celebrate progress in children's rights, the streets of Kasese Municipality and surrounding town councils in the district are witnessing a troubling increase in the number of homeless children—many of whom have grown into adulthood on the pavement. The crisis is no longer confined to minors. Investigative reports reveal that many individuals identified as "street kids" have spent decades without a home. Mr Metia Mbehoma a resident of Mungunyu sub-county said poor parenting and not taking care of the children, forces them to go to the street where they believe they would get a better life. Similarly, a man known as Muhindo Godfrey a resident of kisinga sub-county indicated that social media has played a bigger role in attracting chilfren on streets and therefore parents should do something about it before it worsens. Local authorities and social workers attribute this growing trend to a number of factors including: Domestic Violence, Child Neglect, Poverty and Step-parent Maltreatment. Interestingly, some stakeholders believe that well-intentioned charity may be contributing to the congestion. Bwambale Pardon of Hemtog Uganda noted that while various organizations provide essential food, clothing, and medicine, this support system has inadvertently made the streets more "attractive" to vulnerable children from neighboring areas, drawing them into Kasese’s urban centers. To combat the crisis, Kasese District officials are shifting their focus toward parental accountability. Mr. Faisal Kilarila, the District Probation Officer, confirmed that operations are currently underway to crackdown on negligent parents. Kato Ronald, Director of Kasese Youth Link for Development, emphasized a dual approach of sensitizing parents about the dangers of street life, but also there is a need for local leaders and the police to intervene more aggressively to break the cycle. With the Rwenzori Marathon scheduled for August 22, 2026, the district is under pressure to present a safe and welcoming environment for thousands of international tourists and visitors. ASP Elly Maate, the Public Relations Officer for Rwenzori East Police, assured the public that a coordinated effort is in motion. He said Police are working hand-in-hand with Community Development Officers (CDOs) and other government agencies to crackdown on the street kid phenomenon in Kasese to ensure security for all. As the world reflects on the rights of the African child today, the situation in Kasese serves as a stark reminder that for many, the "right to a home" remains an unfulfilled promise. END