Speaker Among rallies leaders to fight violence against children

KAMPALA —The Speaker of Parliament Anita Among has vowed to come up with stringent laws that will safeguard children against any form of violence and all persons that shield child abusers.

This comes as Uganda joins the rest of the world to mark the Day of the African Child under the theme,’ Eliminating harmful practices affecting children’. This year’s celebrations are being held in Butaleja today.

Speaker Among made the remarks while responding to a petition delivered on behalf of all children led by Aloyo Gloria,a 15 year old pupil from Odek Primary School in Omoro District, at her office at Parliament on Wednesday evening.

‘’The onus is on us leaders to end violence against children. As Parliament, we are going to come up with stringent laws and policies to curb these acts and we shall ensure they are enforced.’’ Speaker Among pledged.

She further noted that Child marriage, child sacrifice and violence against children in schools are the most prevalent forms of violence and called on leaders to address this issue expeditiously.

In their letter, the children demanded that stern measures be put in place to accord them special protection from abuse.
They also demanded government and other policy makers to entertain their views before conclusive decisions are made about them.

“Children have no platform to speak yet we have a voice. When children are called upon to participate in events where big decisions are made, we are only told to sing or recite a poem. But we have a voice,” Aloyo reported to Speaker Among.

The children were led by the chairperson of the Parliamentary committee on Children Milton Muwuma who doubles as the Member of Parliament for Kigulu South.

Child abuse is a significant problem among especially among girls and has been identified as a risk factor for perpetuating sexual aggression and child labor among other assaults.