Mukono -The Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development, in partnership with Mukono District Local Government, has conducted a regional stakeholders’ consultative meeting aimed at developing an inclusive and harmonized minimum package of reintegration services for children experiencing violence, including Violence Against Children (VAC) and Gender-Based Violence (GBV).
The one-day consultative workshop, organized under the Department of Youth and Children Affairs, brought together key stakeholders from Different Districts Like Kayunga,Buikwe,Mukono,Buvuma,Wakiso to discuss strategies for strengthening child protection systems and ensuring that affected children receive appropriate support and reintegration services.
Speaking during the meeting, Ms. Dorah Najjuma, the Senior Probation and Social Welfare Officer for Mukono District, highlighted the increasing number of child-related cases handled by the district, noting that an average of 17 cases are reported daily. She pointed out challenges such as the high cost of tracing parents, expenses related to radio announcements, and difficulties in following up families of affected children.
Mr. Mugisha John, Senior Probation and Welfare Officer from the Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development, urged parents to play a more active role in protecting their children by showing love, patience, and support to prevent situations that expose them to violence and abuse. He noted that over the years, different institutions have handled child protection issues independently, leading to inconsistencies in service delivery.
He explained that the introduction of a harmonized minimum package will provide standard guidelines to ensure that all children, including those with disabilities and those living on the streets, receive comprehensive and equitable support.
While closing the meeting, the District Community Development Officer, Ms. Minisa Kirya Namukose, expressed appreciation to the Ministry for organizing the consultative engagement and for its continued leadership in child protection efforts. She emphasized the district’s commitment to reintegrating affected children with their families but acknowledged the persistent challenge of tracing their origins.
Ms. Namukose further noted that child protection should not be left to probation officers alone, calling for a multi-sectoral approach involving all stakeholders. She also highlighted concerns about child welfare, noting that a significant number of children are born under unplanned circumstances, which can increase their vulnerability.
The consultative meeting marks a critical step toward strengthening child protection systems in Mukono District and beyond. By developing a standardized and inclusive reintegration framework, stakeholders aim to ensure that all vulnerable children receive the care, protection, and support they need.
Moving forward, collaboration among government agencies, communities, and development partners will be essential in addressing the challenges of child abuse and ensuring a safer and more supportive environmen
t for every child.
