Let’s address crime, family disintegration

Uganda is currently grappling with alarming levels of criminality and family disintegration, which pose significant challenges to its social-economic development and the protection of human rights. The prevalence of crime, paternity disputes, and murder not only create an unsafe environment but also hinder progress in various sectors. Addressing these issues is crucial for ensuring the well-being of Ugandan citizens, promoting social cohesion, and fostering sustainable development.

The escalating levels of criminality in Uganda have become a cause for alarm. Communities are grappling with increasing rates of theft, assault, and other criminal activities. This trend not only jeopardises personal safety but also undermines the fabric of society and erodes trust within communities. To tackle this issue effectively, it is essential to address the root causes of crime, such as poverty, unemployment, inadequate law enforcement, and social inequality.

One distressing consequence of the prevailing situation is the breakdown of families due to paternity disputes. The availability of DNA testing has revealed cases where fathers discover that the children, they have raised are not biologically theirs. These revelations can cause emotional turmoil for both the fathers and the children involved, leading to family conflicts, strained relationships, and the disintegration of households.

The implications of such family disintegration are far-reaching. Children may suffer emotionally and psychologically, losing vital support systems and stability. Additionally, these situations may exacerbate poverty and strain social welfare systems, as single parents may struggle to provide for their families adequately.

Regrettably, murder has become an all-too-frequent occurrence, further contributing to the unsafe environment in Uganda. The loss of human life not only shatters families but also erodes the fundamental human rights of individuals. Every citizen has the right to life, liberty, and security of person, as enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. To ensure the protection of these rights, law enforcement agencies must enhance their efforts in preventing and solving crimes, promoting swift justice, and providing support to the victims and their families.

It should be noted, high crime rates and an unsafe environment deter both domestic and foreign investment. Businesses thrive in environments where law and order prevail. Without effective measures to combat criminality, Uganda’s economic growth potential may be hindered, leading to reduced job opportunities and limited income generation.

In addition to this, family disintegration resulting from paternity disputes places an additional burden on social welfare systems. Single parents facing emotional and financial challenges require support mechanisms to ensure the well-being of affected children. If left unaddressed, these issues can perpetuate cycles of poverty and hinder social mobility. Crime, murder, and family breakdown disrupt the social fabric and adversely impact human capital development. Children growing up in unstable environments are more likely to experience adverse psychological effects and perform poorly in education. This hampers the development of a skilled workforce and limits the country’s ability to achieve long-term sustainable development goals.

Therefore, to reverse these troubling trends and safeguard human rights in Uganda, a multi- faceted approach is required. The government should invest in adequate training, resources, and infrastructure for law enforcement agencies to improve crime prevention, investigation, and prosecution capabilities, and to combat poverty, the government should invest in targeted social programmes, job creation initiatives, and improve access to education and healthcare. Addressing the underlying socio-economic factors can significantly reduce criminal tendencies and contribute to family stability.

We should also review existing legislation and enact laws that address the complexities of paternity disputes, ensuring fair procedures and adequate support mechanisms for families undergoing such challenges.

The urgent need to combat criminality and address family disintegration in Uganda cannot be overstated, it poses significant threats to human rights and the overall well-being of its citizens. Addressing these challenges requires collaborative efforts from the government, civil society organisations, and individuals alike, to create an conducive environment for  social-economic progress.

Babirye Jemimah Kasibbo, advocacy officer, Citizens Concern Africa, [email protected]