Kisoro, Uganda: Civil society organisations working with the Batwa community have condemned the exploitation of the Batwa as tourist attractions and expressed concern over the alarming rate of school dropouts among Batwa children.
The call was made during a meeting convened at Tourists Hotel in Kisoro Municipality, bringing together Batwa-focused NGOs, representatives of the District Community Development Office, and the Uganda Refugee Protection (URP) team leader.
Organizations represented included the Uganda Batwa Development Organisation (UBDO) led by Mukandinda Winfred, Hope Mission, represented by Annah Nyiraneza, and BCMT, among others.
District Community Development Officer, Sam Niyonzima, said his office was privileged to host organisations advocating for the Batwa and used the occasion to denounce the practice of parading members of the community as tourist attractions.
“It is degrading and undermines their dignity. The Batwa deserve empowerment and opportunities, not exploitation,” Niyonzima said.
NGO representatives also highlighted that while efforts have been made to improve livelihoods, school dropout rates remain high among Batwa children, with poverty, discrimination, and lack of inclusive policies cited as major drivers.
The meeting resolved to intensify education advocacy, livelihood projects, and cultural rights protection to safeguard the dignity and future of the Batwa people.
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