national 23 August 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
AEGY Spearheads Child Safeguarding Guidelines Dissemination with Stakeholder Support
The Aids Education Group for Youth (AEGY) is leading efforts to promote newly released national Child Participation and Safeguarding Guidelines through community engagement and partnerships. Stakeholders are urging collective action to ensure effective implementation and safeguard children's welfare. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/stakeholders-urge-concerted-efforts-as-aegy-steps-up-push-for-child-safeguarding-guidelines-5568170
The Aids Education Group for Youth (AEGY) has initiated a campaign to widely disseminate the national Child Participation and Safeguarding Guidelines. These guidelines were officially launched in Kamuli District by First Deputy Prime Minister Rebecca Kadaga and Minister of Youth and Children Affairs Dr. Mercy Faith Lakisa.
AEGY’s Executive Director, Jackie Namusooko, stated that the organization’s campaign, themed “Protecting the rights, advocating for the voiceless and improving accountability,” aims to promote the guidelines and enhance child welfare. AEGY is collaborating with the Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development on this initiative.
To ensure the guidelines are effectively implemented at the grassroots, AEGY is organizing community meetings, forum theatres, and couple seminars. These activities are designed to empower young people, help them resist negative peer pressure, and foster their inclusion in decision-making processes. Namusooko also called for collaboration among local stakeholders to support children’s development and equip them with self-reliance skills, particularly during school breaks.
Kamuli District Community Development Officer Leo Mmerewoma praised AEGY’s dedication to child protection despite limited resources, emphasizing that commitment is more crucial than budget size for effective safeguarding. He noted that the guidelines are particularly relevant given the common increase in child abuse cases during school holidays.
Charles Galimaka, Chairman of the Kamuli Media Association, stressed the need for broad public awareness, simplified explanations, and strict enforcement of the guidelines. He urged government ministries and child-focused organizations to conduct sensitization workshops and ensure public access. Galimaka also called on government bodies to provide media practitioners with comprehensive information to aid accurate reporting and advocacy on children’s rights, highlighting the media’s readiness to provide platforms for youth advocacy.