Farmers urged to protect children as abuse and neglect threaten community development

20 June 2026, 12:42 pm

By Golden Vicky Ayiro

Parents and caregivers in Kuywee Sub-County Agago District have been urged to protect children from abuse and neglect, with community leaders warning that mistreatment of children is affecting both family welfare and agricultural development.

The call was made during the Farmer’s Programme in Toroma Central Village by Pur-Lonyo group members under the Farmers Voice Radio Project supported by Ecotrust with support from UK International Development.

Speaking during the programme, Kuywee Sub-County Community Development Officer, Filder Mary Atoo, said many parents work hard in gardens to improve household incomes but fail to provide proper care and protection to children.

According to Atoo, child abuse includes forcing children into hard labour, denying them education, food, and other basic needs, while child neglect involves failure by parents or guardians to provide essential care and support.

The farmers participating in the discussion noted that many children facing abuse often suffer depression, trauma, school dropout, early marriages, teenage pregnancies, and poor health.

Okello Isaac Newton, one of the participants, said abused children often feel unloved, isolated, and hopeless within their communities.

Other farmers warned that child neglect contributes to increased cases of theft, drug abuse, and children running away from home.

Filder Mary Atoo emphasized that farming and child care must go hand in hand, saying development cannot be achieved in homes where children are suffering.

She urged parents to use proceeds from farming to support children’s education, health, feeding, and emotional well-being instead of exposing them to violence and neglect.

Parents, community leaders, and caregivers are called to promote equal treatment of children and strengthen protection of children’s rights within homes and communities.