Children Call on Leaders to Protect Them from Violence

Pupils of Ibuga Primary School, Kasese district have called on their leaders to protect them from the rampant violence against children. This was during the Rwenzori regional Day of the African Child Celebrations (DAC) celebrations that took place at Itojo Primary school in Ntoroko district on Thursday 16^th June 2016 which was organized under the theme ‘conflicts and crisis in Rwenzori region, protect all children’s rights’.

Prior to the celebrations, on Wednesday15^th June 2016, a community dialogue meeting was held at Karugutu Town Council hall. This involved local leaders, religious and cultural leaders, local government representatives, children and community members. The leaders resolved to work with all the relevant stakeholders in order to eliminate all forms of violence against children in schools, communities and homes.

On Thursday 16^th June 2016 the regional DAC celebrations took place at Itojo Primary school, Karugutu Sub-County, Ntoroko district. Organized under the auspices of Ntoroko district local government, the celebrations attracted the participation of RIDE AFRICA, RICNET, Good Hope Foundation, KALI, SOS Children’s Village, World Vision among others.

The celebrations offered an opportunity to children and other stakeholders to develop strategies for addressing the rampant conflict in the area like tribal conflicts, land related conflicts between the cultivators and pastoralists, rape and defilement. It was noted that due to these conflicts and crises, children’s rights have been ignored in homes, schools and communities at large.  Emphasis was put on the importance of creating and maintaining a safe and conducive environment for children to grow, develop and mature properly during the period of childhood by the parents, teachers, local leaders and community at large. “…if not now, then when....?”

Prepared by:
Asiimwe Pamella
Project Officer
VAC Project
16th June 2016