Addressing Child Torture, Promoting Mental Health, and Strengthening Child Protection Systems in Uganda.
Recommendations Following the Incident of Child Torture: Immediate Legal and Protective Actions for the Victim
Uganda Today Edition: Uganda Today’s news article that reported the harrowing ordeal that a 4 year old child under went at the hands of her care giver, deeply touched Professor Edward Bantu and decided to share guidelines to guard against occurrences of child torture and abuse of any nature. We are privileged to reproduce these guidelines here.
Dear Fellow Citizens of Uganda,It is with profound sorrow and grave concern that we reflect on the recent heartbreaking incident that occurred on the night of December 27th, 2024, in Kikoko Zone, Namataba Cell, Kirinya Ward, Kira Municipality, Wakiso District as was widely reported on social media. My attention was caught by Uganda Today report link below that prompted me to share these guidelines: https://www.ugandatoday.co.ug/unmasking..
Guidance to the Nation: A Call to Action:
Addressing Child Torture, Promoting Mental Health, and Strengthening Child Protection Systems in Uganda.
The event in question involves the brutal torture of a 4-year-old child by a maid, an act that has left our hearts shattered and our communities in pain. This tragic incident, captured on film published on the article by Uganda Today, reminds us of the critical importance of safeguarding the most vulnerable among us—our children.
The crime committed against this innocent child is deeply unsettling, but it also serves as a call to action for us as a society to rethink how we treat children, how we care for them, and how we hold those who abuse them accountable.
In my capacity as a professor of Counseling Psychology at Kabale University, Vice President of the World Council for Psychotherapy in Africa, and founder of Global Mental Health Solutions, I would like to offer a set of augmented recommendations to prevent such incidents in the future and to provide guidance for healing and justice for the victim, the perpetrators, and the entire community.
Recommendations Following the Incident of Child Torture: Immediate Legal and Protective Actions for the Victim:
1.The child must receive immediate medical attention and psychological support to address any physical injuries and emotional trauma resulting from the abuse. This includes safe, confidential counseling services tailored to young children who have experienced trauma.The family or guardians of the child must be provided with support, including legal aid and counseling services.
2.The family’s well-being should be prioritized, and the child should be placed under the care of a trusted relative or institution until the trauma is fully addressed.
3. Screening and Evaluation of Caregivers: It is imperative that mental health evaluations be conducted for all caregivers, including maids, nannies, and relatives who are entrusted with the care of children. Psychological screening can help identify potential risk factors, including tendencies toward aggression or a history of trauma that may lead to abuse. Screening should be mandatory for anyone working with children.The evaluation process should include a mental status examination of caregivers, ensuring they are fit to care for children and that they do not have untreated mental health conditions that could contribute to abusive behavior.
4. Couples Therapy and Conflict Resolution: In cases where family dynamics may be strained, it is crucial that couples therapy be made available to help parents resolve conflicts and enhance their emotional well-being. Inter-generational trauma, unresolved personal issues, and poor communication can often lead to harmful decisions being made regarding child rearing.Therapy should also focus on healing for both parents and caregivers, addressing issues such as anger management, stress, and interpersonal violence, which could otherwise escalate into child abuse.
5.Digital Mental Health Solutions:Digital mental health platforms should be implemented to offer immediate, anonymous mental health support for anyone experiencing emotional distress, especially parents and caregivers in challenging circumstances. This service can provide a safe space for individuals to seek guidance, education, and early intervention before they resort to harmful behaviors.These platforms should include resources on child protection, effective parenting, and managing stress and conflict in care-giving situations. Hotlines, counseling apps, and SMS-based services could provide accessible support across the country.
6.Public Awareness and Education Campaigns: A nationwide awareness campaign is essential to educate citizens about the psychological impact of child abuse and the importance of child protection. This includes creating educational materials, hosting public fora, and disseminating information via radio, television, and social media platforms. Parents should be educated about the warning signs of abuse and the importance of observing and reporting suspected cases. They must also understand their role in nurturing a safe, emotionally supportive environment for their children.
7.Mandatory Reporting and Monitoring Systems: Parents and caregivers who separate should be required to report the well-being of their children to local authorities, such as the LC Chairperson or Protection Units, on a daily basis during separation. This will ensure that children’s safety is prioritized and monitored during such vulnerable periods. Mandatory counseling and psychological first aid should also be part of the process, ensuring that children and parents both receive the support they need during difficult transitions.
8.Psychotherapy Proposal for the Nation: As we address the deep wounds caused by incidents like the one in Kikoko, it is clear that psychotherapy must play a crucial role in healing both the individual and collective trauma. Here is a proposal for the nation based on the recommendations outlined above:
1. National Psychotherapy Integration into Child Protection:
Psychotherapy services should be integrated into child protection systems at every level, from families to communities. All child protection units and law enforcement agencies involved in such cases should have access to qualified child psychologists and therapists to help guide victims, caregivers, and perpetrators toward healing.Psychotherapists should work closely with child protection officers, schools, and local governments to create a comprehensive support system for affected children and families.
2. Community-Based Psychotherapy Initiatives:
The training of community-based psychotherapists should be prioritized, especially in rural and under-served areas. These professionals will work directly with communities to promote mental health awareness, offer therapy, and provide support to families in crisis.Local clinics, schools, and community centers should be equipped with mental health professionals who can respond immediately to reports of child abuse or distress.
3. Nationwide Mandatory Premarital Counseling:
Premarital counseling should be made mandatory for all couples contemplating marriage or long-term partnerships. This counseling should address issues such as conflict resolution, child protection, mental health awareness, and the psychological implications of care-giving. Partners should undergo counseling to identify and resolve deep-seated emotional or behavioral issues before they escalate into harmful actions toward children.
4. Digital Mental Health Resources:
A digital mental health curriculum should be developed and widely distributed to educate citizens, parents, and caregivers about healthy relationships, conflict resolution, and emotional regulation. These resources could be available through mobile apps and online platforms accessible to all.Crisis intervention hotlines, available 24/7, should be introduced nationwide, offering immediate support for anyone in emotional distress or who witnesses child abuse.
5. Psychotherapy for Perpetrators:
Offenders involved in child abuse should be required to undergo psychotherapy as part of their rehabilitation process. Through court-ordered therapy, perpetrators can address underlying issues such as anger, trauma, and the harmful behaviors that led to their actions. Rehabilitation programs should focus on behavioral change, empathy-building, and emotional intelligence to prevent future abuse.
6. Creating an Inclusive Society:
The overall aim of these interventions is to create a society where mental health is prioritized, child protection is guaranteed, and families are supported. Every Ugandan citizen has a role to play in ensuring the safety and well-being of children, and it is time that we all take responsibility for this critical issue.
Conclusion:
As we reflect on this tragic incident, let us remember that every child is a treasure, and it is our collective responsibility to ensure their safety, emotional well-being, and protection from harm. The solutions offered here are not just a call to action for the government and law enforcement but for all of us as individuals to reflect on our roles in shaping a society that values mental health, healing, and the protection of children.
Through education, therapy, digital innovation, and community support, we can ensure that incidents of child abuse like this one are not only addressed but prevented. The healing of our nation begins with each of us taking action and offering support to the victims of abuse, while working to ensure that such tragedies never occur again.Together, we can build a future where children thrive, families are supported, and our society is safe and just for all.
References .
World Health Organization (WHO). (2020). Child maltreatment prevention: A WHO guide to understanding and addressing child abuse and neglect. Retrieved from https://www.who.intThis document outlines global approaches to preventing child maltreatment and provides evidence-based strategies for intervention. UNICEF. (2021). Child protection: Preventing violence against children. United Nations Children’s Fund. Retrieved from https://www.unicef.orgUNICEF provides extensive research and recommendations on preventing violence against children globally, focusing on child protection. National Institutes of Health (NIH). (2020). The psychological effects of child abuse and neglect. Retrieved from https://www.nimh.nih.govThis resource highlights the psychological impact of child abuse and the importance of early intervention and therapy for victims. Masten, A. S., & Cicchetti, D. (2016). Developmental cascades. Development and Psychopathology, 28(4pt2), 1003-1017. doi:10.1017/
Published by Uganda Today Team (www.ugandatoday.co.ug)
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