Communities in Kasese District Tipped on How to Address Violence against Children

The baseline study findings conducted at the commencement of this project indicated that violence against children mostly takes place at home contrary to the National Orphans and other Vulnerable Children (OVC) Policy that indicates a family is the first line of response to support the OVC. Other places mentioned were schools and roads. Caning or beating is the mostly used form of punishment reported all the participants. 63% of the households surveyed reported caning as means of punishment used. Defilement was reported next as a form of abuse at 90% by 9/10 schools surveyed. Another form of abuse reported was denial of education and food that was mostly reported in Bukonzo County.

The frequency of punishing children in homes on average is once a week. Parents reported that punishments are often emotionally motivated rather than reason. Children mostly respond to violence by reporting to parents, teachers and the police. They are mostly affected by violence in terms of contracting diseases, others drop out of school and some girls get pregnant. Half of the key informant children reported emotional effects like sadness and crying. All the participants in the baseline study recommended sensitization to curb down abuse in the district.

RIDE AFRICA therefore facilitated the Women Groups of Kakindo, Hope for Uganda, Tweteraine Block B Group and Youth groups in Maliba and Kitswamba sub-counties to conduct community sensitization activities for the prevention of violence against children in homes and communities.  A total of 117 participants; 103 females and 14 males were involved.

The sensitization activities have enabled the communities to acquire information and knowledge about the rights of children and their responsibilities, the reporting procedures of children abuses and violations as well as gaining confidence to report the child abusers to the authorities.

The women and girls in the local communities have also been trained in making reusable sanitary pads so as to promote hygiene and also reduce the number of girl child drop out in school.

Child Protection Structures Strengthened in Kasese District

In Uganda and specifically the Rwenzori region, children and women experience daily acts of violence at an alarming rate in homes, schools, and communities. Domestic beatings, physical and sexual abuse, and rape or defilement are daily realities that are robbing children and women of their rights and putting their lives at risk. Children in particular suffer abusive power relationships, corporal punishment as a method of discipline, and child marriage – each a form of violence that is accepted.

RIDE AFRICA therefore organized a training of child protection committees and child rights activists on their roles and responsibilities and handling different child rights violations and abuses in the local communities in Maliba and Kitswamba sub-counties, Kasese district. These child protection structures support children in communities through promotion and protection of their economic, social and political rights. 

They were further empowered to lobby as well as advocate for them through influencing budget allocation, supporting the formulation of regulations that provide them a free environment in homes, schools and communities. These structures also conduct awareness raising activities on children’s rights and to generate issues that can inform the sub-county leadership about the existing problems affecting children.

These community child protection structures are now actively promoting and protecting children’s rights in communities of Maliba and Kitswamba and report to relevant authorities cases of abuse or exploitation that exist in their areas.

71 participants were involved in this training which took place on 25^th July and 2^nd August 2016.

Training of Child Protection Committees in Maliba Sub-County

Training of Child Protection Committees in Kitswamba Sub-County

A leader in Ntoroko contributing during a district dialogue meeting

FPA in action during dialogue

PO with some of KPLA members during CBO identification

Bweramule youth Forum during inception meeting

Karugutu community conservation association during inception

group photo after training of FPA at Vanilla hotel Bundibugyo

RWECO cordinator explains the role of stakeholders during a dialogue in Ntoroko

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DCAO task UWA officer to explain the animal Vs human problem in Ntoroko

A leader in Ntoroko contributing during a district dialogue meeting

Vice LC IV explain Ntoroko strategy to eliminate conflict

PO with some of KPLA members during CBO identification

Bweramule youth Forum during inception meeting

Karugutu community conservation association during inception

group photo after training of FPA at Vanilla hotel Bundibugyo