By: Melanie Aanyu

Leaders in Bugisu Sub-region are overwhelmed by the rampant cases of child abandonment.

They attribute the vice to poverty as well as unwanted pregnancies among teenagers in Mbale, Namisindwa, Manafwa, Bulambuli Sironko, and Bududa districts.

Statistics from the Mbale City probation department indicate that more than 81 cases were recorded between 2020 and 2021.

According to police, about 10 cases are recorded in the city monthly.
Most of the babies are dumped in pit-latrines, garbage pits, roadsides, and Mbale Hospital.

Ms Sarah Kalenda, the city probation officer says that the cases are a huge challenge since St Kizito Babies Home, the only child facility in the sub-region, is overwhelmed.

The Bulambuli District senior probation officer, Ms Damali Nabwire, called for joint efforts to fight child abuse.

Mr Rogers Taitika, the Elgon region police spokesperson, accused men of neglecting their families.

Ms Stella Masaba, a resident of Busamaga ward in Mbale City, blamed the government for failing to take tough action against culprits.

Non-governmental organisations in eastern region last year launched a campaign to involve and also empower boys and men to end rampant teenage pregnancies.