In the heart of Mbarara, one of Uganda’s rapidly developing cities, a troubling crisis is brewing. The streets, once known for their vibrant hustle, are now haunted by a rising number of street children. What was once a rare sight is now an overwhelming reality, and the city’s residents and leaders are sounding the alarm.
Walk through Mbarara, and you can’t miss them. Children, some as young as five or six, are living on the streets, their days spent rummaging through trash, begging for a meal, or collecting discarded bottles to scrape together a bit of money. But it’s when the sun goes down that the situation takes a dangerous turn. These children, hardened by their harsh environment, often turn to crime to survive. Dark alleyways and poorly lit streets have become the backdrop for petty thefts and more serious offenses, leaving the community on edge.
Local authorities estimate that more than 300 children now call the streets of Mbarara home, a number that seems to grow by the day. Despite repeated efforts to remove them from the streets—either by sending them to rehabilitation centers or reuniting them with their families—many end up right back where they started. The lure of the streets, combined with the grip of addiction, is too powerful for these young lives.
For the people who live and work in Mbarara, the rise in street children is more than just an inconvenience; it’s a genuine threat to their safety. “We used to hear about this happening in Kampala, but now it’s right here on our doorsteps,” says Amos Nuwarinda, a businessman who’s watched the situation deteriorate. “These kids move from shop to shop, begging. If you’re not careful, they’ll snatch your phone or your wallet.”
It’s not just about the thefts. The presence of these children is changing the very character of Mbarara. Tourists and visitors, once drawn to the city’s charm, are now being scared away. “They’re ruining the image of our city,” says Hassan Mukasa, another concerned businessman. “Tourists come here and get harassed by begging children or, worse, have their belongings stolen. This isn’t what Mbarara is supposed to be about.”
The local community is speaking out, and they’re demanding action. Ali Abdallah Ssudi Mugisha, a local council chairperson, is blunt about what’s at stake. “If we don’t get this under control, Mbarara will become a den of crime. These kids are involved in all sorts of illegal activities. We need to stop this before it’s too late.”
The problem is anything but simple. While many see these children as a threat, others point out that they’re also victims. Victims of neglect, abuse, and a society that’s failed them. “It’s easy to blame the kids, but let’s not forget why they’re on the streets in the first place,” says city councillor Muhammad Byansi. “Many of them are fleeing horrible situations at home. We need to look at the root causes and hold the responsible parents accountable.”
Efforts to address the issue have so far fallen short. Mbarara’s mayor, Robert Mugabe Kakyebezi, acknowledges the struggle. “We’ve tried everything—arrests, rehabilitation, you name it. But without proper resources like a dedicated rehabilitation center or a remand home, we’re just putting a band-aid on a deep wound.” He’s also quick to point out another critical issue: the role of parents. “Parents have become too busy with their own lives. They leave their kids in the hands of maids or send them to school without really paying attention to their needs. That’s how many of these children end up on the streets.”
The police are doing what they can, but they’re stretched thin. Samson Kasasira, the spokesperson for the Rwizi region police, doesn’t mince words about the challenges they face. “These kids are involved in serious crimes—everything from snatching bags to sexual assault. We treat them like any other criminal, but without a proper place to hold them, what can we do? We arrest them, and they’re back on the streets in no time.”
It’s a vicious cycle: children on the streets, crimes being committed, arrests made, and then, the same children back on the streets, ready to start the cycle all over again.
Mbarara is at a crossroads. The city is growing, but so is the number of children living on its streets. The community is scared, frustrated, and demanding change. But with limited resources and a complex web of causes behind the crisis, finding a solution is anything but straightforward.
What’s clear is that something needs to be done, and quickly. Whether it’s more support for families, better facilities for rehabilitation, or a crackdown on the criminals exploiting these vulnerable children, Mbarara cannot afford to let this issue continue unchecked. The future of the city and the lives of countless children hangs in the balance.
Source: Ghana Web
