In a bid to curb rising cases of child exploitation, early pregnancies, and defilement; Mifumi with authorities in Bugiri District, are set to pass an ordinance aimed at restricting nighttime fundraising activities. The new measure is spearheaded under the Heroes program; a consortium involving Amref Health Africa, Mifumi and CORDAID which seeks to enhance the safety and well-being of children by addressing environments that expose them to SGBV and SRHR violations
The recent second reading of the ordinance held on the 6th of February 2025 had a unison of minds among all the councilors who explained how the law would encumber practices at funeral services that endanger the lives of young girls and women. There will be a third reading of the Bugiri ordinance on child protection next week beginning 23rd March 2025. This ordinance highlights key issues such as the prevention of night fundraising, bringing an end to child labour, and prohibiting the operation of video halls during school hours.
A stride Towards Child Protection.
Every child deserves to grow up in a safe and protected environment. This ordinance is a step in the right direction.
For years, night fundraising events including traditional gatherings, and community- led initiatives have been linked to various social challenges, particularly those affecting young girls. Reports indicate that these events often create opportunities for child exploitation, exposing minors to sexual predators, alcohol abuse and risky behaviors. These challenges prompted the Heroes program, spearheaded by Mifumi to join hands with the local councilors.
The proposed ordinance will place strict regulations on fundraising activities, ensuring that they do not extend into the late hours of the night. The law will stop night markets thereby preventing young girls from roaming at night where they are exposed to risks of defilement.
Community engagement.
There was extensive consultation in villages of Bugiri and the community identified night fundraising, night markets as two major factors driving the defilement of girls and rape of women.
The Bugiri District leaders emphasized the urgency of the ordinance stating that” there is an alarming increase in cases of defilement and early pregnancies, with many of the incidents linked to night time social events and gatherings. This ordinance will serve as a proactive shield for the children, ensuring that they are not exposed to dangerous situations. Law enforcement agencies, local councils, and organizations like Mifumi will collaborate to implement and monitor compliance with the ordinance. Additionally, community engagements, and sensitization will be rolled out by the Heroes program, to educate parents and event organizers on the importance of prioritizing children’s safety.
Bugiri’s move to introduce this ordinance underscores a growing commitment to child protection in Uganda. As the district finalizes the legal framework, stakeholders hope that this initiative will serve as a model for other districts grappling with similar challenges to ensure a safer future for Uganda’s children.
We appeal to councilors in Bugiri to vote highly and pass the bill expeditiously.
Veronica Akello,
Digital Legal Officer.
Mifumi.
This is the way to go, other districts should do the same to safe guard children. BUKWO tried I don’t which level it reached. This is good