Kamuli, Uganda: The Police in Kamuli say parental neglect and inadequate guidance is to blame for the continued occurrence of teenage pregnancies and defilement cases in the Busoga district.
The concerns were raised during a stakeholders’ review meeting held at the Kamuli District Chief Administrative Officer’s boardroom, where police and other officials discussed child protection and measures to address teenage pregnancies and sexual abuse.
Hellen Alikoba, the Officer in Charge of the Child and Family Protection Unit at Kamuli Police Station, said many of the cases handled by police could be linked to parents failing to adequately supervise and guide their children.
Alikoba, popularly known as “Mama Police”, particularly warned against sending children to fetch water at night, saying the practice could expose girls and other children to sexual abuse.
“We are seeing an increase in teenage pregnancies and defilement cases. The blame goes back to parents who have neglected their parenting role. Sending children to fetch water during the night puts them at risk,” she said.
According to Alikoba, police registered 32 defilement cases in 2025, including 10 cases of aggravated defilement.
She said three suspects were convicted, one case was dismissed, while five cases were still under inquiry. She added that the figures were subject to further updates as police continued receiving and handling new cases.
Alikoba also raised concern over what she described as poor participation by men in community awareness meetings organised to address child protection and teenage pregnancies.
“When we organise meetings for awareness, only women and young people turn up. Men stay away and continue with the same bad habits that put children in danger,” she said.
Bugabula Chiefdom Minister for Family and Child Affairs Owekitibwa Kulaba Dawudi urged men to take greater responsibility for the wellbeing and protection of their families.
He called on fathers to embrace the Kyabazinga’s Omusadha Nempango initiative, which encourages men to take responsibility in their homes and communities.
“Men must take responsibility. The Kyabazinga’s Omusadha Nempango initiative reminds us that it is the man who is responsible for taking care of the family. Fathers should guide their children and protect them,” Kulaba said.
The meeting brought together representatives from the Education and Health departments, AEGY, the Probation Office, Humanity and Inclusion, police and other stakeholders.
Participants agreed on the need to intensify community sensitisation, strengthen parental responsibility campaigns and improve collaboration between police, local leaders and civil society organisations.
Health and education officials said they would continue conducting school outreach programmes to educate both girls and boys on child protection and sexual and reproductive health.
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