Kampiringisa: Juvenile detention centre says cases are high

The Principle of the National Rehabilitation Centre, Kampiringisa, Ms Teopista Mutooro, has revealed that they receive at least 16 juveniles a month.

Ms Mutooro said the children are mainly aged between 12 an d 17 and that the majority of them are booked in for theft and fighting.

Over 200 child offenders aged 12 to 17 serve their sentences at Kampiringisa with the highest number being boys.

“Most of the cases are petty, so each child stays at the rehabilitation according to court’s decision but maximum is three years,” Ms Mutooro said.

She said as a way of creating diversion, confidence ,and restoring hope to the children, they take on music lessons offered by Brass for Africa.

Brass for Africa country director Andrew Agassi said music acts as a diversion with over 100 children benefiting from musical classes.

“There is a lot of joy and successful stories, we have worked with Kampiringisa for over six years. So far the rehabilitation has 47 instruments all from Brass for Africa,” he said.

Agassi urged communities to have a positive mind set and be welcoming to the children after serving their sentences.

The rehabilitation centre on Tuesday marked the Day of the African Child under the theme, "Education for all children in Africa, time is now".