Parents warned as KCCA rescues over 150 street children

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In a new wave of its operations, Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) has rescued 157 children and arrested 18 adults who were allegedly using the minors to beg on the streets.

The authority officials said that the crackdown is against child exploitation in Kampala.

It follows the implementation of the KCCA Child Protection Ordinance 2022, a landmark law aimed at curbing child abuse, street begging, and trafficking in Uganda's capital.

KCCA spokesperson Daniel NuweAbine said the rescued children have been transferred to Koblin Youth Rehabilitation Centre in Napak district, Karamoja sub-region.

Adults who were allegedly using the minors to beg on the streets were arrested. (Credit: KCCA)

There, they will undergo counselling, rehabilitation, and reintegration into society.

“A large number of the children had been trafficked from eastern Uganda, while 22 came from other parts of the country. This is a clear case of child trafficking and exploitation," said NuweAbine.

“The law is very clear. Anyone found using children to beg, loiter, hawk, or vend is committing a crime and will face up to six months in jail or pay a fine of two currency points [sh40,000].

The KCCA Child Protection Ordinance also prohibits giving money, food, or clothing to street children as it encourages them to remain on the streets.

NuweAbine said they are "not acts of charity" and instead "perpetuate a cycle of exploitation".

KCCA warned that any parent or guardian whose child is found loitering in the city is liable under the law.

“Every parent or guardian must ensure that children under their care are protected from hazardous or harmful environments. It is not only a moral obligation, but also a legal one," said the KCCA spokesperson.

During Thursday's operation, KCCA’s enforcement team worked closely with probation and social welfare officers to rescue the children.

All rescued minors are now being managed through diversion programmes which focus on care, rehabilitation, and eventual reintegration.

“KCCA continues to engage with the communities where these children come from,” said NuweAbine said.

The Authority said is it also working with local leaders, parents, and stakeholders to raise awareness and address the root causes of child trafficking and street migration.

Child trafficking and exploitation are both crimes.

KCCA said they continue with such operations in the coming weeks, as part of a broader effort to make Kampala a safer and more child-friendly city.

Additionally, KCCA teams are also arresting city dwellers found littering, destroying green spaces and dumping garbage in the drainage channels.

Those arrested for littering will be charged under the Kampala City Law and Order Maintenance and the National Environment Act which prohibit littering.

The penalties range between sh40,000 and sh10 million.