Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) has rescued 157 children and arrested 18 adults in a sweeping crackdown on child exploitation and street begging in the city, officials have confirmed.
The operation, conducted on April 10, 2025, follows the enforcement of the Kampala Capital City Child Protection Ordinance 2022, a law aimed at ending child abuse, trafficking, and street begging within Kampala.
According to KCCA Spokesperson Daniel NuweAbine, the children were rescued from various city streets and have since been relocated to the Koblin Youth Rehabilitation Centre in Napak District for counseling, rehabilitation, and eventual reintegration.
“What we found was deeply concerning,” NuweAbine said during a press briefing. “A large number of the children had been trafficked from Eastern Uganda, while 22 came from other regions. This is a clear case of child trafficking and exploitation.”
The 18 adults arrested are suspected of using the minors to beg, in violation of the 2022 ordinance. Under the law, individuals who exploit children by forcing them to beg, loiter, hawk, or vend face up to six months in prison or a fine of two currency points (approximately Shs40,000).
NuweAbine also warned the public against giving money, food, or clothing to street children, saying such acts encourage the continuation of street life.
“Handing money or food to children on the streets is not an act of charity—it fuels a cycle of abuse and exploitation,” he said. “
Every parent or guardian must ensure children under their care are not exposed to dangerous environments. This is not just a moral responsibility but a legal obligation.”
The enforcement operation was supported by KCCA’s probation and social welfare officers, who are now overseeing the minors through diversion programs aimed at rehabilitation and social reintegration.
KCCA said it is engaging with community leaders, parents, and other stakeholders to tackle the root causes of child trafficking and migration to the streets.
“Child trafficking and exploitation is a grave crime,” NuweAbine emphasised. “We must all work together to protect these children and secure their future.”
The Authority pledged to sustain similar operations in the coming weeks as part of broader efforts to make Kampala safer and more child-friendly.