Child neglect cases worry Adjumani officials
Some children trek to market to sell pumpkins in Adjumani District. Cases of child neglect are reported as the most common form of child abuse in the district. PHOTO BY MARTIN OKUDI.
ADJUMANI- Child neglect by parents has been identified as the most common form of child abuse across rural sub-counties of Adjumani District.
Data obtained from the department of community development office indicates that lack of exposure, heavy consumption of alcohol, poor attitudes towards education and divorce are some of the causes of child neglect.
At least 120 cases of child abuse are reported at the office every month.
The most affected sub-counties with rampant cases of child neglect are Ofua, Itirikwa, Arinyapi, Ukusijoni, Dzaipi and Pachara.
Mr Ramadan Mawadri, the district community development officer, made the revelation while speaking at a children’s forum on ending violence against children at Adjumani Town Council hall on Tuesday.
He said majority of them have undergone other forms of child abuse such as child marriage, child labour and corporal punishment.
“Issues of children affect humanity since they are the future leaders. Let us sensitise the communities to desist from abuse of children’s right,” Mr Mawadri said.
He said in an effort to curb the rampant cases of child neglect they have embarked on regular inter-agency meetings, involving parents in arbitration, while other parents have been prosecuted in the courts of law.
Ms Ajusi Vusia, the Adjumani vice chairperson, said most neglected children in the area are from polygamous marriages.
She advised couples in the district to have manageable family sizes.
Mr Gabriel Oling, the World Vision manager for West Nile, said they will liaise with the district authorities to address the plight of the children since child well-being is one of their project mandates.
