Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) has warned members of the public against using children to beg, hawk, vend or loiter on Kampala’s streets following the rescue of 149 children in an ongoing crackdown on child exploitation.
KCCA said the rescued children, comprising 26 boys and 123 girls, were recovered during operations aimed at protecting children from exploitation and removing them from potentially harmful street activities.
“In a crackdown against child exploitation, we have this evening rescued a total of 149 children (26 boys and 123 girls) through our ongoing operations,” KCCA said.
The authority said the children will be transferred to Musulita Children’s Home, where they will receive rehabilitation and psychosocial support before being prepared for reintegration with their families.
KCCA warned that involving children in street begging, hawking, vending or loitering is a criminal offence and urged members of the public to desist from practices that expose children to exploitation.
“Anyone found using children to beg, loiter, hawk, or vend is committing a crime and will face up to six months in jail or pay a fine determined by court,” the authority warned.
The authority urged members of the public to comply with the law and warned those involved in exploiting children that enforcement operations will continue.
“Don’t be caught off guard,” KCCA warned.
