Kwania, (UG):- Police in Kwania District have arrested one Jasper Ebong, the father of a 10-year-old boy and a resident of Apwori village, Atongtidi sub-county on allegations of child neglect.
Ebong who was arrested on Thursday 18th July is accused of neglecting a wound on his son’s leg which later turned complicated leading to an operation on a child’s leg done at Lira Regional Referral Hospital.
Oscar Ewaa, a child rights activist who led the Police to the area, said the child’s wound was in danger and they rushed him to Lira Regional Referral Hospital for medical care, where he is being cared for.
“We got the information on 31st June 2024 from the Chairperson Child Protection Officer of Acenglworo that the boy got injured while riding a bicycle back from a borehole. From there we took him to Lira Regional Referral Hospital for medical care upon seeing the wound in a dangerous condition,” Ewaa explained.
A source at Kwania District probation officer who asked for anonymity said Police have arrested and holding Ebong over child neglect. “Yes, Obong was arrested yesterday, and he is in police custody so, the law will take its course. As simple as that,” the source said.
Meanwhile, Jimmy Patrick Okema, the North Kyoga regional Police spokesperson when contacted by this publication confirmed having Ebong in police custody as the investigation into the matter continues.
Patrick Onyum, the chairperson LC3 for Atongtidi Sub County has condemned some parents who expect organisations and other entities to look after their children.
Onyum said a number of parents have deliberately given up the responsibility of looking after their children when they realise organisations can offer help.
“I encourage and make parents know that it is their responsibility to take care of their children, the primary role is with you the parents,” Onyum said, before cautioning parents against giving birth yet they are not ready to look after the children.
“We should not bear children for organisations to take care of. Children do not belong to organizations and probation officers, let organizations just come in to help,” he said
In Uganda, child neglect means the failure to provide for the basic physical, emotional and developmental needs of a child, in areas such as health, education, emotional development, nutrition, shelter and safe living conditions, which cause or have a high probability of causing damage to a child’s health or physical, mental, spiritual, moral or social development.
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