EMPOWERING AFRICA’S CHILDREN: A COMMITMENT TO PROTECTION, DIGNITY AND OPPORTUNITY.

With a shared sense of purpose and stakeholders, advocates and community members gathered on 16th June to commemorate the International Day of the African Child reaffirming their collective responsibility to safeguard the rights and future of every African child. The day stood as a powerful call to action reminding all that children deserve to be protected, heard, valued and empowered in shaping the decisions that affect their lives.

The commemoration took place at Bupadhengo Secondary School in Kamuli District bringing together partners and advocates under the Brave Uganda umbrella hosted by Youth Chaperon Uganda. This year’s theme, “Ensuring universal access to water, sanitation and hygiene for every child in Africa,” highlighted the urgent need to address basic inequalities that continue to hinder children’s health, education and overall wellbeing. During the engagement, Pillar Mbabazi emphasized the importance of the Brave Movement in creating awareness, supporting survivors and strengthening collective efforts to end violence against children. Dickson Bwambale from Transcend Africa Foundation spoke on the critical need for online protection of children urging stakeholders to remain vigilant and proactive in safeguarding children in the digital space.

Through the #PathToJustice campaign, partners renewed their commitment to ending childhood sexual violence by strengthening child protection systems raising awareness, amplifying survivor voices and advocating for justice and accountability. The commemoration served as a reminder that real change requires sustained collaboration and action. Every child matters, every voice counts and every survivor deserves justice principles that continue to guide efforts towards building safer schools, stronger communities and a more hopeful future for all children.

Compiled By: Dorah Kamwine.