Parents cautioned on child safety as abuse cases spike during holidays

Naguru, Kampala: The Uganda Police Force has raised concern over rising risks to children during the school holidays, warning parents and communities to remain vigilant as first-term break begins.

Speaking at the weekly press briefing at Police Headquarters in Naguru, Deputy Police Spokesperson Diana Nandawula said the holiday period often records an increase in cases involving children.

“During the holidays we tend to register a number of cases involving parental negligence, disappearance, sexual offences, labour exploitation, and recruitment of children into criminal activities,” SSP Nandawula said.

Police noted that many incidents arise when children are left unattended, exposing them to risks such as abuse, kidnapping, and accidents. “Some parents leave young children alone at home without a caretaker, leaving them at risk of wrong elements like kidnappers or even fires,” she warned.

Nandawula urged parents and guardians to ensure children are placed under the care of trusted adults, especially for those who must leave home for work.

The police also called on communities to take collective responsibility in protecting children, noting that warning signs are often ignored until it is too late.

“We have registered incidents of child abuse where communities only speak out after the situation has escalated,” she said. “We need to work together to protect our children from emotional, psychological, and physical harm.”

Safety Measures for Families

Accordingly, parents have been advised to keep constant communication with children, teach them to be cautious around strangers and ensure children memorise or have access to emergency contact numbers.

“Sometimes children cannot even remember their parents’ phone numbers in case they disappear,” Nandawula noted, assuring the public that both overt and covert security measures are in place, but emphasised that prevention begins at home and within communities.