Minister Alarmed by Lango Parents' Complicity in Child Defilement

State Minister for Youth and Children Affairs, Dr. Mercy Faith Lakica, has voiced strong condemnation regarding the disturbing trend of some parents in the Lango sub-region allegedly facilitating child abuse and defilement.

Speaking at a World Vision Uganda program closing ceremony in Kole District, Dr. Lakica revealed that she possesses information indicating that certain parents are treating their daughters as commodities, soliciting substantial bribes from alleged offenders. These payments, reportedly ranging from Shs1 million to Shs2 million, are allegedly used to help suspects evade prosecution, settle cases out of court, or arrange early marriages for the victims.

Dr. Lakica issued a stern warning, emphasizing the severe legal repercussions awaiting both perpetrators of defilement and those who aid them. “Once you are arrested as a suspect or conduit, there will be no negotiations,” she stated, urging communities to take responsibility for protecting children.

Her remarks came in response to concerns raised by local officials in Aboke Town Council and Kole District about a significant rise in defilement cases. Officials cited a lack of parental oversight and support as a key factor, with child protection coordinator Jacob Aripa noting that offenders exploit parental negligence and bribe money to escape justice, sometimes even concealing victims.

Police reports from the North Kyoga region consistently place defilement as a leading violent crime against children in the area. World Vision Uganda, which has been active in Oyam and Kole districts for 19 years, officially closed its cluster program, having made significant contributions to education, health, and poverty reduction following the LRA war. The organization is now transitioning its focus to other regions in Uganda.

Minister Lakica urged district leadership to ensure the sustainability of the infrastructure and programs left by World Vision, stressing the importance of continued support for local cooperatives and community integration to preserve the organization’s legacy. Jeremiah Nyaga, World Vision Uganda Country Director, clarified that the organization is not exiting the Lango region entirely but is relocating its program focus to areas with greater humanitarian needs, despite a challenging donor landscape.

Source: Daily Monitor (Uganda)