By Obed kankiriho
The state minister for gender, labor, and social development in charge of youths and children affairs, Hon. Sarah Nyirabashitsi yesterday launched the dissemination of the National child policy 2020 and its implementation plan 2020/2021 in Kisoro district.
During the launch, different stakeholders including community development officers and heads of departments from Kisoro Municipality and Kisoro district local government, and religious leaders were oriented on the pillars of the policy and how to implement it.
The major aim of this policy is to improve the well-being, realization, and enjoyment of children’s rights in the country.
Out of 136 districts in Uganda, Kisoro becomes the 100th to have the national children’s policy program disseminated to its stakeholders since the national launch on 12th October 2020.
According to Minister Sarah, the policy also aims to have an Uganda where the rights of all children are respected, promoted, protected, and fulfilled. She noted that the policy demonstrates the government’s commitment to ensuring that the well-being of children is thorough
The Kisoro Deputy Resident district commissioner, Robert Tukamuhebwa commended the government’s efforts to enhance children’s rights and also advocated for the inclusion of the Batwa children whom he says have been discriminated against.
He noted that Batwa children need affirmative action because they are suffering from a lack of good shelter, health, and land which make them a security threat to the district.
Speaking to our reporter, Toleya Franko, the assistant commissioner for children’s affairs in the ministry of gender, labor and social development said that the ministry embarked on disseminating the policy to local governments so that stakeholders can own them, include them in budgets so that necessary actions can be taken. He said that the Batwa children are also considered as other Ugandans, urging leaders not to always segregate them.
ENDS//
