Children accused of abusing their rights

20 September 2024, 6:24 pm

By Otim Moses Arapmoi

Local leaders and other stakeholders in Omiya Anyima sub-county, Kitgum district, have revealed that children are now using their rights as an excuse to avoid accountability for dropping out of school or getting married at an early age.

In a meeting organised on Wednesday by the Centre of Hope for Vulnerable Children and Women, with support from ADRA-Uganda, the stakeholders noted that children no longer wish to be disciplined and have failed to distinguish between their rights and responsibilities, which they say is leading them astray.

Ms Layet Nighty, the Chairperson of Coo Pe Lwor village in Omiya Anyima sub-county, Kitgum district, blamed men for using vulgar language when speaking to their daughters, which she said is contributing to early marriages and school dropouts.

She noted that the current trend of children attending funerals and night discos is detrimental to their future. She urged parents to teach their children to become responsible citizens by completing their studies.

Mr Tookura Uram, one of the stakeholders, said the concept of children’s rights has lost its significance, as parents are now hesitant to discipline their children for fear of being arrested by the authorities.

He appealed to the government to allow parents to use traditional teaching methods if moral delinquency among young people is to be addressed.