895 Street Children Rescued, 47 netted in Massive Kampala Operation

Summary:

• The Kampala City Council Authority rescued 895 children from the streets, relocating them to the Masulita Children’s Village for rehabilitation. The operation also led to the arrest of 47 adults involved in child trafficking.

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The Kampala City Council Authority (KCCA) has successfully rescued 895 children from the streets of Kampala in an operation carried out on the night of January 11, 2023. The dedicated team involved, comprised of health workers, probation officers, and security personnel, aimed to combat child exploitation and pave the way for healing and a brighter future for these vulnerable children.

The rescued children have been relocated to the Masulita Children’s Village in Wakiso district, recognized as a haven of hope and rehabilitation. The operation also led to the arrest of 47 adults engaged in child trafficking, who will now face legal proceedings, with the majority hailing from the Karamoja region, according to KCCA.

Sheila Birungi, the director of gender, community services, and production at KCCA, underscored that the rescue operation aligns with the Kampala Child Protection Ordinance 2022. This ordinance, specifically under Section 10, prohibits sending children to beg or solicit for alms in public places, streets, offices, or commercial establishments.

Violations of these provisions carry penalties, including fines of up to sh40,000, imprisonment for a maximum of six months, or a combination of both. The ordinance also condemns profiting from a child engaged in begging or soliciting for alms.

At the Masulita Children’s Village, the rescued children will undergo rehabilitation, and some will be transferred to the Youth Rehabilitation Center in Lorengechora Sub-county, Napak District, before reuniting with their families.

Silvanus Bob Turyamwijuka, the Masulita Children’s Village coordinator, highlighted the holistic approach adopted by the village. This comprehensive strategy includes spiritual mentoring, engaging games, and vocational training tailored to the unique needs and age groups of the rescued children. The village focuses on psychological and emotional healing and provides hands-on training in practical projects such as piggery, dairy, and agriculture, instilling a sense of responsibility and self-sufficiency.

Supported by the Uganda Women’s Effort to Save Orphans (UWESO) and various companies, including Tororo Cement Ltd., which contributed to renovating dormitories, the Masulita Children’s Village remains committed to rescuing and reintegrating street children, empowering them for a dignified return to their homes.