The State Minister for Youth and Children Affairs, Balaam Barugahara Ateenyi, has summoned singer Rebecca Kukiriza, popularly known as Chosen Becky, to appear at his office on Tuesday, December 23, 2025, for formal engagement over widely circulated images and reports from a wedding ceremony held on Monday, 15th December, 2025.
The summons come after allegations that children were used to hold placards with messages targeting elders, an act the Ministry says could put minors at risk of emotional harm, public scrutiny, and online exploitation.
In a statement released on Wednesday, 17th December, 2025, Minister Balaam condemned the alleged conduct, stressing that while adults enjoy privacy, family life, and freedom of expression, these rights must not compromise children’s safety and dignity.
“Children must never be used as instruments in adult disputes, publicity stunts, or social media controversies. They are innocent, vulnerable, and entitled to protection, dignity, and care from parents and guardians regardless of disagreements between adults,” Balaam stated.
The minister further warned that the alleged actions may contravene several laws of Uganda, including provisions of the Children Act, Chapter 59, as amended.
“Section 3 of the Act provides that the best interests of the child shall be of paramount consideration in all actions concerning children,” Balaam explained.
He added that the law guarantees children protection from emotional, psychological, and social abuse, neglect, and exploitation, as well as the right to privacy and dignity.
Additionally, Balaam cited the Data Protection and Privacy Act, 2019, which restricts the collection, processing, and publication of children’s personal data or images, particularly when such publication could cause harm or is done without lawful justification.
He noted that posting children’s images in controversial contexts on social media may amount to a violation of this law.
The Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development emphasized its commitment to safeguarding the rights and well being of all children and urged the public to exercise restraint and responsibility when involving minors in public events, social media content, or public discourse.
