Church leaders in the Sebei Sub-region have expressed concern over parents who frustrate their children's education and those who collude with perpetrators of sexual violence against minors.
Speaking at All Saints Church in Kapchorwa during a graduation ceremony of more than 300 youths supported by Compassion International, the Bishop of Sebei Diocese, Rt. Rev. Paul Kiptoo Masaba, accused some parents of blocking children from attending school even when they have sponsors.
"Sometimes we feel disappointed with our people. In some cases, children even have sponsors like Compassion International, but parents stop them from going to school," Bishop Masaba said.
"I feel a lot of pain when parents negotiate with rapists, defilers, and people who have abused children. The innocent child is the one who suffers."
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He warned that parental negligence and compromises with abusers are ruining the futures of young people in the region.
Bishop Martin Chelengati of the Pentecostal Assemblies of God commended Compassion International for its role in educating and skilling vulnerable children but urged for interventions to be extended to hard-to-reach areas in Sebei and Karamoja.
He challenged church leaders to use their pulpits to denounce child abuse.
"Sometimes we keep quiet when we hear that a child has been abused. Let us join hands and fight these abusers. The community should shout and put them to shame," Chelengati said.
Rev. Julius Aliwa, Diocesan Secretary and chairperson of the umbrella body of church leaders working under the partnership, accused some judicial officers of colluding with perpetrators to frustrate justice.
"We are finding hurdles in this fight. Cases are sometimes thrown out of court because of connivance between magistrates and perpetrators," Aliwa said, adding that despite the setbacks, the church continues to champion children's rights and support victims.
Resident District Commissioner (RDC) Nkugwa Kizito pledged government support in tackling child abuse in Sebei, praising churches and Compassion International for their role.
"I am ready to work with you in thick and thin to address these challenges. We must stop this madness and ensure children grow up well," Kizito said.
Dr. Nicolas Kalyebara, Senior Manager of Partnership at Compassion International, revealed that the 300 graduates had been supported for 17 years through education and skills training programs.
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He noted that graduates are also equipped with tools to start work and are monitored through an alumni association.
Five churches in Sebei Church of Uganda, Deliverance Church, Evangelical Bodies of Christ, Perfection Church and Ministry, and the Pentecostal Assemblies of God are working with Compassion International to support vulnerable children in the region.
