A significant decrease in inter-country adoptions has been observed since the Ugandan government implemented stricter guidelines in 2020, according to Mr. Shafik Butanda, the principal probation officer in the Ministry of Gender, Labour, and Social Development. The decision to entrust the High Court with handling inter-country adoptions has resulted in a notable reduction in the number of children adopted by foreigners.
Mr. Butanda explained that the new guidelines have led to a decline in numbers, citing the example that if 20 children were previously adopted by individuals in the USA, the current figure might be around five. The key factor contributing to this decrease is the strict adherence to the law, as opposed to previous years when some individuals bypassed legal procedures.
In 2020, the Judiciary introduced new rules following concerns raised by the United States of America regarding unlicensed children in a home in Kampala. The rules mandated that all inter-country adoption matters would be handled exclusively by the Family Division of the High Court.
Previously, all courts in Uganda had the authority to hear child adoption cases, but now, adoption applications are presented to the Family Division of the High Court for more effective supervision. Three judges with a background in family law were specifically identified to handle these matters.
Mr. Butanda revealed that probation officers at district levels now prepare adoption files, which are then sent to the Ministry of Gender for review. The ministry conducts interviews with the applicants, and if found suitable, recommends them to the Family Division of the High Court for adoption rights.
While inter-country adoption is centralized and closely monitored, local adoption has been decentralized. The capacity of probation officers at district levels has been strengthened to ensure compliance with the law.
Before centralization, gaps in the inter-country adoption process existed, with instances of false information about children’s orphan status. The new system aims to address these issues and ensure a more transparent and reliable adoption process.
The director of Sanyu Babies Home, Ms. Barbra Nankya, mentioned a rise in Ugandans embracing adoption compared to foreigners. A conference scheduled for March 7 in Kampala aims to demystify and celebrate adoption, encouraging the return of children to their biological parents if possible or their adoption into suitable families.
