Oyam, Uganda | Stakeholders in Oyam District have called for stronger and coordinated action to protect children from abuse and neglect, warning that failure to address the challenges could have lasting consequences for families and the wider community.
The call was made during the district’s quarterly probation and welfare meeting, which brought together representatives from the district administration, police, health, judiciary, development partners and cultural institutions to discuss child protection and upbringing.
Mark Obangkwon, the Assistant Chief Administrative Officer of Oyam, said protecting children should not be left to government departments alone. He urged parents, cultural and religious leaders, community members and development partners to take an active role in safeguarding children.
Sandra Akello, the District Probation and Welfare Officer, said child protection is a shared responsibility that starts within families and extends to the wider community. She urged leaders to prioritise children’s welfare and intensify sensitisation on responsible parenting.
Beatrice Akullu, the Child and Family Protection Officer at Oyam Central Police, said the police continues to deal with cases involving child neglect and abuse. She called for closer collaboration between law enforcement, parents and cultural leaders to ensure cases are reported and addressed promptly.
The meeting also highlighted the importance of community-based interventions. Sam Paul Ogwang, the Awitong of Mwa Otiratok, and Francis Okello, the Clan Chief of Okarowok Wiibye Acel, acknowledged gaps in child protection but pledged to strengthen sensitisation within their communities.
Ogwang also appealed to government agencies, particularly the police, to work more closely with cultural leaders and recognise their role in resolving family and community disputes. He said stronger cooperation between traditional and formal institutions could improve protection for vulnerable children.
Brenda Nakimera, representing World Vision, said development partners were investing in programmes aimed at improving children’s welfare but stressed that sustainable results require active participation from communities and local leaders.
However, the meeting itself exposed a challenge in stakeholder coordination, with only 12 participants attending despite a wider invitation. Assistant Resident District Commissioner Patrick Ocen, who officiated the meeting, described the turnout as disappointing and urged stakeholders to treat child protection initiatives with the seriousness they deserve.
Ocen said the future of children depends on decisions made by adults today and called for stronger coordination among government institutions, cultural and religious leaders, parents and development partners.
The meeting concluded with a call for stakeholders to move beyond discussions and strengthen prevention, reporting, referral and response mechanisms to ensure children in Oyam grow up in safe and supportive environments.