Senior Reporter
The Kisoro District Community Development Office is facing significant challenges due to the lack of adequate transport vehicles for the safe and timely transportation of juveniles to both the Kabale Remand Home and the Kampiringisa Rehabilitation Center.
These concerns were brought to light during a meeting organized by the Ministry of Gender, Labour, and Social Development in collaboration with ChildFund, AfriChild, and Kisoro District. The meeting took place at the District Rukiiko Hall.
Alex Okwaratuhe, the Senior Probation Officer for Kisoro District, expressed the ongoing struggle stemming from insufficient funds to support the transportation of children to rehabilitation centers after their court convictions. Presently, the district is grappling with a total of 60 children between the ages of 13 and 17, each facing varying charges.
Hajji Badru Mayanja, the Chief Administrative Officer of Kisoro District, acknowledged the gravity of the transport issue. He conceded that the district has encountered difficulty in efficiently transporting juveniles apprehended by the police from distant areas to the court within the legally mandated time frame.
Moses Otai, the Country Director of ChildFund, shed light on one of the underlying causes behind the increasing number of children found on the streets.
He attributed this rise to conflicts and instability within neighboring countries, which have subsequently contributed to the displacement of children.
Sarah Mateke Nyirabashitsi, the Minister of State for Youth and Children Affairs within the Ministry of Gender, Labour, and Social Development, is committed to addressing the pressing transportation matter in Kisoro District.
She assured the community that efforts will be made to secure the necessary means of transportation.
