Police has warned parents and guardians to be extra vigilant as children begin their second term holidays this August, cautioning that the break often comes with a sharp rise in cases of child abuse, neglect, and exploitation.
Police spokesperson Kituuma Rusoke said the force consistently registers alarming incidents during holidays—including sexual abuse, corporal punishment, labour exploitation, and even crimes committed between children.
“We see an increase in cases of sexual abuse during holidays, often perpetrated by guardians, relatives, neighbours, coaches, trainers, and village troublemakers around trading centres. Sadly, we also record sexual activity between children themselves,” Mr Rusoke said.
He noted that many parents send children away from home during the long break, leaving them more exposed to predators.
Corporal punishment also remains widespread, with offenders often being household breadwinners.
“Corporal punishment is not a correctional method; it destabilizes families and causes serious harm. Many offenders plead ignorance of the law or show remorse only when the damage has already been done,” Mr Rusoke cautioned.
The Police further raised alarm over child labour and harmful employment, stressing that the law prohibits exposing children to dangerous or exploitative work.
“We have seen cases where children are forced into hazardous labour, exposed to chemicals, heavy loads, or even engaged in pornography and exploitative performances locally known as ebimansulo. These practices are criminal and harmful to children’s physical, mental, and moral wellbeing,” he emphasized.
Other cases involve children being recruited into rogue village groups and extreme neglect in slum areas.
“Some children are abandoned in locked houses while parents go out for activities like prostitution. Others are left with burning candles, creating high risks of fire tragedies,” Mr Rusoke said.
Police also condemned parents who seek financial compensation from suspects after their children have been abused.
“This practice, known as sorting, is illegal. Parents must not exchange justice for money—it only enables abusers to continue exploiting children,” the spokesperson warned.
As schools close, Police urged all parents to safeguard their children and keep emergency numbers within reach.
“We advise parents to always have contact numbers for the police and their Local Council chairpersons. Protecting children requires vigilance and commitment, especially during holidays,” Mr Rusoke concluded.
