Police in Luweero have opened the first children reception centre in the district amidst escalating cases of child abuse.
The center, which cost 70 million shillings, can accommodate up to 30 children. It was erected at Luweero Central Police station by Plan Uganda, a non government organization in conjunction with Uganda Police Force.
The officer in charge of Luweero Child and Family police protection unit, Frances Nyamutale, says that the center will be used to offer shelter to the children who have been abandoned, deserted and neglected as they look for their parents, investigate the cases as well as settle them in new homes.
Nyamutale adds that in the last three months police recorded at least 73 cases of children that were been neglected or abandoned. She says after rescuing the children, the police officers were keeping them in their private rooms.
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But the district Police commander Samuel Bamuzibire says that though they have got the centre, they lack funds to offer basic needs that include food, clothes, and beddings among others to the children.
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Locals in Luweero have welcomed the centre but asked police and government to address issues that force people to neglect or abandon their children.
Rosette Katende, a district woman councilor, says that the centre will be flooded with the neglected children unless errant parents and guardians are penalised. She noted that some parents are neglecting the children because they know that there are no serious penalties even if arrested.
James Mutebi from Kikyusa Sub County says that people are living in poverty and they can’t look after their families.
