Crime and urbanization are interlinked challenges in Uganda’s growing cities. Mbarara City, situated in western Uganda, is no exception to this trend. In recent years, the city has witnessed an alarming increase in the number of street children, posing significant policing and security challenges. This feature article delves into the issue, highlighting the concerns of local authorities and residents regarding the rising population of street kids.
Growing Security Concerns
The surge in street children has led to growing concerns among city authorities and residents. They emphasize that these children have become a security threat, with reports of incidents such as attacks on people leaving ATMs, taxi and bus parks. Henry Mushabe, the senior probation officer of Mbarara City, acknowledges the community’s concerns, stating, “Reports have emerged from the community that some of the grown-up street boys are waylaying people on banks at night, in the taxi and bus parks, and as the probation office, we are concerned.”
Samson Kasasira, the Police spokesperson for the Rwizi region, reveals that a recent operation resulted in the arrest of about 94 children. He adds, “As enforcement officers, we gave the probation office a hand, and we were able to collect 94 children, with 39 of them being above 18. These older children will undergo screening to determine if they have any criminal records.”
Challenges Faced by Street Children
Many of these street children are engaged in activities like collecting plastic bottles, and some exhibit signs of mental instability. They can often be seen sleeping on the streets in the early and mid-morning hours. Henry Mushabe highlights the city’s efforts to address the issue: “Every time we receive some facilitation, we will round them up and screen them. Those who wish to return to their respective homes will be resettled, whether it’s for school or other activities in the village.”
However, Robert Mugabe Kakyebezi, the mayor of Mbarara City, acknowledges that addressing the problem of street children is more complex than it may seem. He explains, “We have removed them from the streets before, but they keep coming back. Some of them are on the streets due to domestic violence in their homes, while others are believed to have come from Nakivale refugee settlement.”
A Call for Education and Rehabilitation
Dr. Denis Besigye, a senior health worker, suggests a constructive solution: “If the government and the city council can establish a school for these children, their lives could change for the better.” He emphasizes that some of these children possess great potential, and with proper education and care, they could become valuable contributors to society, including future engineers and doctors.
High Street, Buremba road near Fresco supermarket, and the taxi and bus park are the primary areas where street children congregate at night. During the day, they often gather around river Rwizi at Katete Bridge to swim.
A Historical Perspective and the Way Forward
The government established a boys’ approved school in Kampiringisa in Mpigi district in 1952 under the Ordinance Act, designed to provide care and protection for boys who were beyond parental control or delinquent. Subsequently, the Children Act Cap 59 transformed the school into a National Rehabilitation Centre, with a wing dedicated to girl delinquents. This center aims to detain, retrain, rehabilitate, and reintegrate children taken to the facility back into the community, catering to those aged between 12 and 18 years. The duration of their stay at the center depends on the gravity of their offenses, with a maximum limit of three years.
The rising number of street children in Mbarara City is a complex issue that requires a multifaceted approach. Addressing the problem involves not only law enforcement but also providing support, education, and rehabilitation to help these vulnerable children lead better lives and contribute positively to society.
