the minister of state for youth and children affairs Honourable Sarah Nyirabashitsi has called upon the public to report any form of child abuse to prevent escalation of the vice.
Speaking at the launch of the awareness campaign dubbed Saudi 116, Hon. Sarah stressed a drastic rise in child abuse cases especially in the last two years of covid 19.
After establishing a call centre for children of child abuse in 68 Districts across the country, over 900 calls were registered per day of children below 18 years mostly female.
“During the period of lockdown, calls regarding sexual violence increased to 43% from 38%. This makes sexul violence and neglect the most reported cases”. The minister said. ” We also noted that females are the most abused making up 60% of all cases”. she added.
“As government, Parliament, Parents and caregivers, Teachers, Religious and Cultural leaders and the Media, we must all begin by speaking out on violence no matter where it occurs. it is important, crucial and urgent to report any form of violence”. Sarah said.
Although children are abused, the minister said the reason some cases go unreported is due to the fact that children lack the confidence to speak out and many people ignore or are not well equip to teport.
The minister noted a 5% increase in sexual violence and neglected cases.
In Uganda, girls are more prone to child abuse making up 70% cases compared to the males
