“It
is parental responsibility to expose children’s suspicious activity and turn
them over to authorities, or defend and protect them at all costs. Most
important, are the things parents can and should do to avoid this dangerous
trajectory, whether in stormy times or everyday life. Children are among the
most vulnerable members of society. The law of the state protects children
until they are deemed to be able to interact in society as adults. For this reason
children are treated differently from adults by the criminal justice system.”
Said Mr.Mukokoma Paul, CDO Kitholhu Sub-County who was facilitating at the local
council leaders dialogue meeting on the prevention of violence against children
held at Kitholhu Sub-County headquarters. He added saying, children are
commonly used to symbolize innocence in the society today. But there’s an
exception to every rule, and when you’re talking about weird and random acts of
violence, you’re talking about these kids. Even under normal circumstances,
most teens push boundaries. They talk back, break curfew, lie and sometimes
cheat and steal as they navigate their way into adulthood. But these behaviors
are a far cry from the serious juvenile crimes that concern
some parents’ guidance to correct them. 
This
meeting followed one held at Karambi Sub-County on 5thSept.2016 to
bring local council leaders on board to prevent violence against children in
Kasese district and also bring to their knowledge the statistical status of the
cases of violence against in each village with the two Sub-Counties. Among
other people who attended the duo meetings were; the local council one, two and
three chairpersons, Sub-county speakers, parish chiefs, Sub-County chairperson
of people with disabilities, probation officer, CDO and the police.
During
his speech, Mr. Bwambale Geofrey the O/C CID Karambi mentioned that children
above the age of 12 years are responsible for their own crimes though children
criminals are handled with extra care and gentleness such as use of a simple
language and teaching them of their rights and responsibilities, not being
mixed with the elders while in the cells, should be taken for medical
examination. He further said that Kasese as a district has no police doctor
thus most victims are referred to fort portal for examination among others. He
further talked about children rights violations like rape, defilement and child
sex. He warned against parents who
intervene in the crimes committed by their children. He also warned those who
tie children since it is against the law. He conclusively asked the leaders
present to learn good referral mechanisms for justice to prevail in the area and
asked leaders to identify children criminals and correct them if they are to
have a violent free community against children.
