Activists call for mandatory child participation in national decision-making

Child rights activists have urged the government to prioritize child participation in national decision-making processes, especially during the budgeting cycle.

This call was made during an interaction between children delegates and members of parliament, organized by the Uganda Child Rights NGO Network (UCRNN) and the Parliamentary Forum for Children, to address key issues beyond legislation.

The meeting, held in Kampala, focused on ensuring that children’s voices are integrated into the country’s plans, policies, and budget allocations.

Damon Wamara, Executive Director of UCRNN, emphasized that children’s input is critical to ensure that policies accurately reflect their needs.

"Child participation is key because consulting the end consumer of any product or service is important. Capturing the voices and views of children would not only ensure better solutions but also lead to quicker buy-in from them," Wamara said.

He stressed that decisions made without involving children often miss the mark, as adults might assume needs that differ from what children actually require.

He pointed out that children’s involvement could lead to cost-effective solutions, citing that while policymakers may assume children need expensive meals, children might suggest simpler alternatives, such as porridge.

Wamara highlighted key concerns raised by children, including violence against children, climate change, access to quality food, and clean water.

He noted that children frequently experience rights violations from those closest to them parents, guardians, and teachers.

"It’s essential to engage these key groups while addressing the children’s concerns," Wamara stated.

He also stressed that climate change is affecting soil fertility, leading to poor nutrition, a concern voiced by children regarding the quality of school meals.

Wamara called on the government to implement existing guidelines on child participation, established by the Ministry of Gender, Labour, and Social Development.

These guidelines provide a framework for engaging children at both the district and national levels.

“If we can utilize those guidelines, we will have clearer input from children on the issues that matter most to them," Wamara noted, urging for mandatory consultation with children on matters that affect their well-being.

Milton Muwuma, MP for Kigulu South, Iganga, and Secretary General of the Parliamentary Forum for Children, also emphasized the importance of incorporating children's views into Uganda's budget process.

“This interaction with the children is a crucial step in the budget cycle, where we consult stakeholders to ensure the needs of various groups are addressed,” Muwuma said.

He noted that children’s concerns, particularly those expressed during a recent camp in May, include gaps in education, climate change, violence against children, and sexual reproductive health rights. He stressed that these issues require urgent attention and allocation of resources in the national budget.

Muwuma added that children are the primary beneficiaries of government programs like education, and their voices must be heard.

“If we don’t listen to them, we disappoint. They are the key consumers of the products we process in the budget, and their concerns need to be factored in,” he said.

Wakiso District Woman MP, Betty Naluyima, also called on Uganda’s leadership to prioritize children and youth in national planning and budgeting.

With over 75% of Uganda's population comprising young people, Naluyima emphasized that neglecting their needs could hinder the country's progress.

“Now we have to put all our efforts into matters that affect the youth. The adult population is small compared to the young, and our focus should reflect that,” Naluyima said.

She highlighted key issues such as menstrual health management, taxation on essential items like diapers, and providing children with the necessary tools for education, including access to computers and the internet.

However, Naluyima expressed concern over the unrestricted use of technology by children, urging the government to establish guidelines on phone and computer usage, particularly in schools.

Her remarks come in light of a recent Ministry of Education statement banning phone usage in schools.

Naluyima supported the policy but stressed the need for a balanced approach that considers children's evolving needs in a technology-driven world.

“There is no way you can plan for a generation without involving them,” Naluyima noted, adding that children today have unique insights that can improve planning and produce better results.

Naluyima emphasized the importance of forward-looking policies that cater to Uganda's youth, who will shape the nation's future in the coming decades.