By; Jjunju Francis
The Bishop of Kasana Luweero Diocese, Rt. Rev. Paul Ssemogerere has condemned the acts of violence that deprive children their right to life.
While commemorating the Feast of Holy Innocents at Queen of Peace in Kasana Cathedral Parish today in Luweero town, a day on which King Herod massacred children in Judea, Bishop Ssemogerere described the children who were killed by King Herod and Pharaoh of Egypt as martyrs a challenge that must help children meditate on the sad events that happened in those times.
He said many killings and violence targeting minors like; child sacrifice, rape, torture and abortion among others which vices he said must stop
Some of children who participated in the commemoration decried high cases of torture, sexual abuse, negligence and other forms of violence towards their fellow children. Rachael Namakula, a pupil at African Outreach Academy in Luweero town council and Martha Namboowa, a pupil at Kasaala Girls’ Primary who represented others called for protection for their rights.
According to a survey conducted by the ministry of gender, labour and social development where children and youth fall, physical violence is the most prevalent form of violence experienced in childhood with nearly six in 10 females and seven in 10 males.
More than half of these had their experience between six and 11years.The 2016 crime statistics revealed a total of 43,682 cases of violence against children countrywide.
Of those, 15,005 victims/suspects were counselled, 3,144 cases referred to other stakeholders and 2,627 others were taken to court. From January to September 2017, they were over 60,322 cases of violence against children. Children with disabilities, orphans and children with absentee parents are at greater risk of violence.
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