Nabilatuk struggles to keep children off streets

What the report says

Authorities in Nabilatuk District, in northeastern Uganda, are struggling to deal with a rising number of street children in Nabilatuk Town Council, according to reporting by The Independent Uganda based on URN material. The children are mostly between 6 and 12 years old and, officials say, have left home and are spending their time on the streets. District leaders say the problem has grown despite earlier efforts to return children to school.

The district security committee, led by the Resident District Commissioner, previously rounded up more than 100 children and placed them in primary schools in the town council. They were given school supplies and free meals, but some later sold the materials and went back to the streets. Children interviewed by URN said they do not know where their fathers are, or that they live with mothers who cannot meet basic needs. Others blamed severe poverty, including in polygamous households, for leaving home.

Officials say the issue is especially difficult during school holidays, when children have nowhere to stay and return to street life. About 73 children reportedly went to the RDC’s office after schools closed to show their report cards before heading back to the streets. RDC Linos Lotem said the district plans to round up the children again when the next school term begins while trying to trace parents.

Local leaders and residents say the problem is growing and that resources for street-child support are limited. They have suggested a dedicated home or other longer-term support so children can stay safe and continue studying, rather than repeatedly being sent back into unstable homes.