At least 311 girls have been defiled in Kamuli district in the past year, reawakening debate on how to end child marriages, teenage pregnancies and defilement.
The Busoga North police spokesperson Michael Kasadha has said according to Police records, defilement was highest crime recorded during holiday months.
Child neglect came second in child related offences with 180 cases recorded. 149 children went missing or were abandoned. There were 23 cases of Children in conflict with the law, 40 cases of desertion 40 and 94 cases of abduction.
Police has blamed parents for colliding with defilers and only reporting the matter when negotiations fail.
The Police say they are going to engage the general public in achieving efficient and effective crime control strategies through collaborative engagement, building public trust, response and feedback.
Meanwhile, Plan International Program Unit Manager for Kamuli Patrick Emukule said such a high number of child abuse cases give a dim and grave picture of the future of the children and must be countered with collective responsibility.
He has called for an aggressive promotion of children’s rights, protection and participation.
