As the second term school holidays begin across Uganda, the Police have issued a stern caution to parents and guardians to take greater responsibility in safeguarding their children during the break.
The warning was delivered at a joint security media briefing held on Monday, August 18, 2025, at the Uganda Police Headquarters in Naguru.
While addressing the press, Police Spokesperson ACP Kituuma Rusoke observed that holidays are often accompanied by a rise in crimes against children.
“Whenever school holidays begin, we always see a sharp increase in offenses against children. Sadly, we record many cases of child abuse, especially sexual in nature, during this period,” ACP Rusoke stated.
He explained that one of the gravest dangers during holidays is defilement, which occurs when children are left unsupervised or exposed to unsafe environments.
He urged parents not to take their children’s safety for granted but to be extra vigilant throughout the break.
ACP Rusoke also advised against sending children out at night to purchase household items such as salt, soap, or paraffin.
“We have seen cases where children are sent as late as 9 PM to shops. This is dangerous and irresponsible. It is our duty to protect children, but it starts with parents being alert,” he warned.
The Police spokesperson further expressed concern about the exploitation of children through illegal labour during holiday periods.
He cited alarming incidents where children have been forced to work in hazardous environments such as climbing dangerous heights or digging deep wells.
“When a child gets hurt while doing a task meant for adults, we will not only investigate the injury we will also arrest the parent or adult responsible,” ACP Rusoke cautioned.
Police also revealed that criminal gangs are now recruiting children to facilitate crimes such as house break-ins.
According to ACP Rusoke, these gangs lure children from trading centres and use them to slip through small openings that adults cannot access.
“Criminals are now using children to access homes where adults can’t fit. They lure them from places like trading centres. Parents must know where their children are and who they’re interacting with,” he explained.
He stressed that such practices not only put children at risk but also expose them to criminal networks that could ruin their future.
In conclusion, the Uganda Police Force appealed to parents, guardians, and communities to collaborate with security agencies to keep children safe during the holiday season.
Police urged families to keep children engaged in safe, supervised activities while remaining alert to any suspicious persons or activities in their neighborhoods.
They reminded parents that protecting children is not only a parental obligation but also a collective responsibility for all members of society.
