The growing child protection crisis in Arua District and City prompted urgent action from Save the Children Uganda. Reports indicate that more than 700 child abuse cases are registered every three months, ranging from defilement and neglect to physical abuse-often fueled by poverty, alcoholism, and harmful cultural practices.
These concerns came to the forefront during a recent engagement under the Child Protection System Strengthening Project, funded by the Japan Ministry of Foreign Affairs (JMOFA) implemented by Save the Children Uganda. Local leaders, social workers, and law enforcement officials highlighted the depth of the crisis and call for intensified efforts to protect vulnerable children.
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“The situation is dire. We are registering hundreds of cases each quarter. Cultural norms, alcohol abuse, and economic hardship are driving much of this violence,” said Stephen Eguma, Probation and Social Welfare Officer for Arua District.
Among the harrowing stories shared was that of a two-year-old girl, sexually abused by her father shortly after losing her mother. Her case, described as aggravated defilement, underscored the urgent need for the JMOFA project intervention. Another incident involved a pregnant primary five pupil (approximately 10years-15years), abandoned by the perpetrator who fled to the Democratic Republic of Congo to escape justice—an increasingly common pattern in cross-border communities.
In response to such cases and many others, Save the Children Uganda has trained 13 Social Welfare Officers and 726 Para-Social Workers across Arua District and City. These frontline workers are now equipped to identify, report, and support children at risk or survivors of abuse, ensuring stronger linkages between communities and formal child protection systems.
“We are building a network of care and response from the villages to the urban centres. The presence of trained officers is already bringing hope to families,” said Rebecca Namayanja Azeriimana, Project Coordinator.
The Child Protection System Strengthening project has been commended by community leaders, including Local Council 5 Chairperson Alfred Okuonzi, who praised the project for helping bring justice and healing to affected families.
Launched in 2023, the three-year Child Protection System Strengthening Project is set to run until 2026. Its impact is already being felt across Arua, as more communities embrace the call to safeguard the rights and wellbeing of every child.
