The Uganda Police Force notes that children have commenced their second-term holiday in August 2026. While the holiday offers children time to rest, reconnect with families and participate in positive activities, it also presents heightened risks to their safety, welfare and protection.
During holiday periods, Police register cases involving
violations of children’s rights,
sexual violence,
neglect, harmful child labour,
accidents and offences committed against or among children.
We therefore call upon parents, guardians, communities, school leaders and all duty bearers to place the protection, supervision and well-being of children at the centre of this holiday period.
Police remain particularly concerned about the risk of sexual abuse of children. Perpetrators may include persons known and trusted by the child or family, such as guardians, relatives, neighbours, employers and other persons within the community. Parents and guardians are urged to know where their children are, whom they associate with, and to take seriously any change in behaviour, fear, unexplained injuries, withdrawal or disclosure by a child.
Children must not be left in the care of persons whose character, conduct or surroundings raise concerns. Communities should be alert to isolated places, premises and trading centres where children may be exposed to exploitation, alcohol, drugs or predatory adults.
We also remind parents, guardians and all caregivers that corporal punishment is not an acceptable form of discipline. Deliberately using physical force to cause pain, injury or fear to a child may amount to abuse and can have serious physical and psychological effects.
The Police further caution against child labour and hazardous employment. Children must not be employed, engaged or exposed to work that is likely to harm their health, safety, education, or physical, mental, spiritual, moral and social development. This includes underground work; work at dangerous heights or in confined spaces; operating dangerous machinery or tools; carrying heavy loads; and exposure to chemicals, alcohol, drugs or other hazardous substances.
Owners and managers of bars, lodges, entertainment venues and other business premises are warned against exploiting children in sexual or pornographic performances, locally referred to as ebimansulo. Such conduct is criminal, and all persons involved in organising, facilitating, promoting or benefiting from it will be investigated and held accountable.
Parents, local leaders and community members should also guard against the recruitment or manipulation of children into criminal activity, including rogue groups, gangs and acts of violence.
We are equally concerned about child neglect, particularly where young children are left unattended, locked inside homes, or exposed to dangerous domestic conditions while parents or guardians go out. Leaving children alone creates serious risks of fire, injury, abuse and other preventable tragedies.
The Uganda Police Force strongly warns parents and guardians against accepting compensation or entering private arrangements with suspects after a child has been sexually abused or otherwise harmed. This practice, commonly referred to as “sorting” the parent, is unlawful. It compromises the child’s rights, enables offenders to evade justice and exposes other children to continued danger. Every case of child abuse must be reported to Police and handled through lawful procedures.
School proprietors, head teachers and school management are also encouraged to use the holiday to review safety and security arrangements at their institutions. They should consult Police and other relevant safety professionals on access control, fire prevention, boarding safety, child-protection procedures, transport, emergency preparedness, reporting channels and staff conduct.
We urge all parents and guardians to keep accessible emergency contacts for the nearest police station.
The protection of every child is a shared responsibility. We call upon all Ugandans to remain vigilant, report suspected abuse promptly, and ensure that this holiday is safe, healthy and meaningful for every child.
R. Kituuma psc (U)
ACP
PR
