Col Edith Nakalema, Head of the State House Investors Protection Unit, has warned that the growing absence of parents in children's lives is putting Uganda's youth at risk, with social media and urban poverty intensifying the problem.
Speaking during a dialogue with young people from Kampala's informal settlements, Nakalema highlighted the social consequences of parental disengagement, including conflicts at home, runaway children, and early pregnancies.
"This is a disturbing matter. We are losing a generation if parents do not engage with their children and understand the challenges they face," Nakalema said.
She stressed that parents must provide a "faithful presence" in their children's lives to prevent a breakdown in family and community cohesion.
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Nakalema said her discussions were conducted not in her official capacity but as a mother seeking to understand the challenges youth face in slums and urban neighborhoods.
She described conversations with children who feel abandoned, citing instances where young people blamed the absence of their fathers for running away from home or engaging in risky behaviors.
She further pointed to social media as a key disruptor of family structures.
"Young people are exposed to content that undermines respect for parents and proper guidance," Nakalema noted.
She highlighted misinformation, disinformation, and inappropriate online material as major factors weakening family bonds.
While she stopped short of proposing specific regulatory measures, she urged authorities to act quickly to protect children from harmful digital influences.
Nakalema emphasized the importance of mentorship and dialogue between parents and children, calling for sustained parental engagement to guide young people through challenges posed by the digital age.
She warned that failure to act could result in long-term social instability, as youth lacking proper guidance are more susceptible to crime, substance abuse, and other harmful behaviors.
Supporting Nakalema's concerns, Shillah Anembabazi, President of the Uganda National Students' Association (UNSA), said father absenteeism and broken families are undermining national development and social cohesion.
Speaking at the same event, Anembabazi noted that the absence of fathers has contributed to rising numbers of single mothers, teenage pregnancies, and family conflicts, particularly in urban and slum areas.
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"The problem of broken families today is linked to fathers being absent from their children's and wives' lives," Anembabazi said.
She emphasized that fragmented households often prevent children from benefiting fully from government social and economic programs, as disputes over resources perpetuate poverty.
Anembabazi also raised concerns about social media, saying young people are increasingly exposed to harmful content and adult behaviors at an early age.
She called on government authorities to regulate digital platforms and urged community-level interventions through churches, local councils, and family forums to rebuild trust and unity within households.
