In a landmark victory for child protection in Uganda, Junior Tukwasibwe, a former teacher and social worker, has been convicted on 13 serious charges, including child trafficking and operating an illegal children’s home. This verdict delivers long-awaited justice for vulnerable children who were exploited under the guise of care.
Tukwasibwe ran a community-based organization (CBO) called Educate a Child—Street Children Uganda. While the organization claimed to provide education and support to vulnerable children, it was in reality a place of severe abuse.
Several children especially girls between ages 0f 13 -19 under his care were sexually exploited, with victims testifying that Tukwasibwe manipulated them through false promises of scholarships and threats to deny these opportunities. Many of these children had sought safety and hope at the CBO, only to be betrayed by a trusted adult.
The organization operated informally for several years without official approval or licensing. This lack of regulation created a dangerous loophole, allowing abuse to continue unchecked.
One survivor, who chose to remain anonymous for their safety, shared through their lawyer what she went through.
’’We thought we were safe there. But he took away our trust and our childhood from 2013- March 2019” the female victim stated.
The case was prosecuted with determination by Chief State Attorney Joseph Kyomuhendo and Senior State Attorney Marion Ben-bella, demonstrating Uganda’s increasing legal capacity to address crimes against children with the seriousness they deserve however sentencing is scheduled for 24th June 2025 before Trial Judge Justice Richard Wejuli.
This conviction has ignited urgent calls for reforms and stronger oversight of all organizations claiming to care for children. In response, the Ministry of Gender, Labour, and Social Development has announced plans to conduct a nationwide audit of children’s homes and CBOs to identify unregistered entities and enforce stricter compliance with child protection laws.
“Children must never be made victims in spaces that are meant to protect them. This conviction is a victory for every child who has ever been silenced or exploited and a firm reminder that the law stands on their side,” a statement from the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) declared.
Uganda continues to face significant challenges with child trafficking and exploitation, problems that affect the wider East African region.
According to the latest report by the Uganda Human Rights Commission, hundreds of children remain vulnerable to trafficking every year, particularly those from marginalized communities. This case is a stark reminder of the importance of vigilance and community involvement in protecting children.
The ODPP reaffirmed its commitment to child protection, emphasizing that this successful prosecution sends a strong message that perpetrators will be held accountable.
Communities, caregivers, and civil society organizations are urged to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities related to children’s welfare. To support this, the ministry has established a dedicated child protection hotline to enable timely reporting and intervention.
As Uganda strengthens its legal framework and child protection systems, this landmark conviction not only brings justice for the victims but also serves as a powerful call to action to ensure that no child falls through the cracks again.
