Published on 17/06/2024
Fred Ngabirano, Commissioner for Youth and Children at the Ministry of Gender, Labour, and Social Development urged Members of Parliament to amend the Community Service Act, advocating for children aged 16-17 in remand homes. His proposal seeks to alleviate congestion in juvenile facilities by offering young offenders the opportunity to fulfill their sentences through community service, fostering rehabilitation and social reintegration.
Ngabirano addressed journalists at Parliament prior to the Day of the African Child, celebrated on June 16, 2024 in Kiryandongo district. He highlighted the critical issue of overcrowding in remand homes, emphasizing the need for alternative sentencing options for juveniles who have committed less severe offenses.
“Recently, the Uganda Law Reform Commission proposed amendments to reduce congestion in remand homes. The impact assessment recommended considering 16-17-year-olds for community service. Instead of being confined for months, they could serve for 1-2 days and be released,” Ngabirano stated.
He attributed juvenile crime to a breakdown in parenting and community systems. The government has responded by rolling out parenting guidelines across Uganda. Ngabirano shared his experience from a visit to Fort Portal Remand Home, where 106 children, mostly involved in serious offenses like rape and murder, were detained. He stressed that many of these issues stem from inadequate parenting.
Margret Makhoha, the Namayingo District Woman Representative supported Ngabirano’s proposal, advocating for community service as an alternative to incarceration in overcrowded remand homes with poor living conditions. “The children face many challenges, and some are driven to commit crimes. Community service offers a better option than keeping them in these facilities,” she said. Makhoha also emphasized the need for legal amendments to implement this change effectively.
In Uganda, children aged 12-18 who are sentenced to more than a caution are detained in one of six remand homes located in Fort Portal, Gulu, Mbale, Masindi, Arua, Naguru, and Moroto. According to the Ministry of Gender’s 2018 report, these remand homes housed 1,388 juveniles, with theft being the most common offense. The report also revealed significant gaps in the educational backgrounds of these juveniles, highlighting the need for better access to education.
During a speech on June 14, 2024, Makhoha noted that the Day of the African Child is a time for reflection, inspired by the 1976 Soweto uprising where black school children protested against poor education and being taught in foreign languages. “Their courage reminds us to continue fighting for the rights and education of all African children. This year’s theme focuses on education for children in Africa, emphasizing its role in empowering future leaders and innovators,” she said.
Despite improvements in access to education, challenges persist in Uganda, including low quality and retention rates. Makhoha urged for increased budget allocations to improve school infrastructure, teacher training, and availability of learning materials.
Kyegegwa District Woman Representative Flavia Kabahenda highlighted the importance of nutritious meals to keep children in school, addressing the issue of food insecurity among African children. “We need to ensure that every child can grow and thrive, which requires a focus on adequate nutrition,” she said.
Phoebe Kasoga, Country Director of Plan International Uganda, emphasized the need for resilient education systems, especially for children in conflict zones. “We must ensure education is inclusive and relevant, preparing children for future challenges, including the impact of artificial intelligence and climate change,” she said. Kasoga also called for better data collection to inform policy and planning for children’s needs.
Ngabirano supported this, stressing the importance of accurate data for evidence-based advocacy and planning. He acknowledged the role of local councils in collecting data on children with disabilities and the support from development partners like the World Food Programme and UNICEF in creating a unified registry.
The speakers also raised concerns about high rates of child marriage (33%) and teenage pregnancy (24%), urging stakeholders to devise solutions to protect all children in Africa, regardless of their socio-economic status.
