KCCA Rescues 199 Children in Ongoing Crackdown on Child Exploitation in Kampala

KAMPALA — Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) law enforcement officers have rescued a total of 199 children in an ongoing operation aimed at cracking down on child exploitation and the use of children in begging, hawking, vending and loitering on the streets of the capital.

In the latest phase of the operation, KCCA said 149 children, including 26 boys and 123 girls, were rescued through ongoing enforcement operations across the city.

The children were subsequently transferred to Masulita Children’s Rehabilitation Centre, where they will undergo rehabilitation, receive psychosocial support and be prepared for eventual reintegration with their families.

The operation is part of KCCA’s wider efforts to protect children from exploitation and remove them from situations that expose them to abuse, neglect and other dangers associated with life on the streets.

In a separate operation, KCCA law enforcement officers rescued another 50 children, comprising 32 boys and 18 girls, from several areas within Kampala.

The children were picked up from Owino, Nakasero, Guanda and Kisenyi markets, as well as Kibuye, during continued enforcement operations targeting the exploitation of children in public spaces.

They have also been transferred to the Masulita Children's Rehabilitation Centre, where they will temporarily be sheltered as they receive medical attention, rehabilitation and other necessary support.

The latest rescues bring the total number of children rescued during the ongoing operations to 199, with girls accounting for the majority of those taken to the rehabilitation centre.

KCCA has reiterated its commitment to protecting children and ensuring that adults who exploit minors for financial gain are held accountable.

The Authority warned members of the public against using children for begging, hawking, vending or other forms of exploitation, noting that such practices constitute an offence under the law.

According to KCCA, anyone found using children to beg, loiter, hawk or vend risks criminal prosecution and, upon conviction, could face up to six months' imprisonment or a fine determined by court.

The Authority said the crackdown will continue as law enforcement officers intensify operations in different parts of Kampala, particularly in busy markets, commercial areas and other locations where children are commonly exposed to exploitation.

Beyond enforcement, the rehabilitation process is expected to focus on the children's welfare, including medical attention, psychosocial support and efforts to establish their family backgrounds before reintegration where appropriate.

KCCA has urged parents, guardians and other members of the public to take responsibility for the protection and welfare of children and warned those involved in exploiting minors that they should not be caught off guard as the operations remain ongoing.

The Authority says its continued intervention is aimed at ensuring that Kampala becomes a safer city for children while addressing practices that deny them protection, care and the opportunity to grow up in a safe family environment