Day of the Girl Child: Parents urged to engage children on challenges to prevent abuse

Iganga, Uganda: The Deputy Speaker of the Busoga Kingdom Council, Ms Biruma Florence, has urged parents to actively listen to and engage their children in dialogue to identify challenges in their lives and address them before they escalate into abuse or other negative consequences.

Ms Biruma made the remarks during the Day of the Girl Child celebrations organized by Raising Voices at Nakavule Primary School, Iganga Central Division, Iganga Municipality. The event brought together students, parents, education officials, and community development stakeholders.

“You must listen to your children; they have problems that they can only reveal to you. When they approach you, first listen and then respond appropriately. Parents with successful children are respected in their communities,” Ms. Biruma said.

She emphasized the importance of supporting children financially by paying school fees despite economic challenges, while encouraging children to remain patient and focus on education as a pathway to personal growth and societal contribution.

Senior Probation Officer Basiba Yusuf of Iganga Municipal Council condemned parents, particularly fathers, who prioritize discipline over dialogue. He encouraged parents to involve children in family decisions and empower them to build trust and open communication. He also urged reporting of child abuse via local authorities or the toll-free number 116.

“Some fathers discipline before listening, which alienates children. Let us engage children as partners in family decisions,” Basiba noted.

DailyExpress understands that Iganga’s community department receives at least 80 cases of violence against children and women monthly, with some cases involving men denying women access to resources and controlling salaries. Many of these cases are investigated, resolved, or taken to court.

Ms. Angel Mirembe from Raising Voices highlighted the organization’s focus on empowering girls and preventing violence against children across multiple districts in Uganda. Through the Good School Program, students shared experiences through singing, dancing, poems, and dramas to illustrate challenges they face, including unlawful abuse.

“Girls are key to societal development. Education remains the best tool for them to build a future,” Mirembe said.

The event served as a platform to engage children, hear their concerns, and outline practical ways to protect them from abuse and promote their education and well-being.