By BM
As schools close for the second term holiday, police have issued a chilling warning to parents and guardians: protect your children, or risk exposing them to rampant crimes including defilement, sexual abuse, and child labour.
Addressing the media during a weekly press briefing at Police Headquarters in Naguru, Police Spokesperson Rusoke Kituuma revealed that child-related crimes surge dramatically during the holiday season turning what should be a time of rest and joy into a period of danger for many minors.
“We have observed that cases such as defilement and other sexual abuses spike during holidays. Children are left unattended, and predators take advantage of this,” Kituuma stated grimly.
He called on parents to be extra cautious and actively supervise their children’s movements and social interactions throughout the holiday.
Kituuma also strongly warned against sending children to trading centres or shops during late hours, stating that this exposes them to criminal elements that prey on vulnerable minors.
“Allowing children to move alone at night is extremely dangerous. We have seen cases where this has ended in tragedy,” he cautioned.
In a related warning, Kituuma condemned the rising cases of corporal punishment and child labour, practices he said are alarmingly common during the holidays when children are expected to help at home.
“Subjecting children to harsh punishment or exploiting them for labour not only violates their rights it can cost them their lives,” he said.
The police are now on high alert and have promised increased surveillance in communities during the holiday break. Authorities are also urging the public to report any suspicious activity involving children to help curb the wave of abuse.
“Let this holiday be remembered for happiness, not horror. Every parent must play their part in keeping children safe,” Kituuma concluded.
