By Stephanie Sprague
Manager Content Creation –Health Ohio State USA

Recent reports indicate that child abandonment, neglect, and the number of street children are rising in Uganda, especially in urban areas like Kampala. The 2022 Uganda Police crime report showed a 23% increase in child abandonment cases. In Kampala, an average of 30 children under the age of eight are abandoned or dumped (in toilets, streets, or trash) every month.

In 2024, police reported that 30 children a month were abandoned in Kampala, most of whom were under eight years old. Annual estimates suggest that 40 to 80 newborns are abandoned each year in the city.

Child neglect is the leading form of child abuse reported, with the Uganda Child Helpline recording 1,987 cases of neglect in 2023. The number of children living on the streets has increased by 70% since 1993, with approximately 10,000 children on the streets in 2014.

Uganda has a population of 46 million. How many children are abandoned elsewhere in the country? In the United States, child abandonment is a significant issue, with 7,000 children abandoned each year in a population of 342 million. Uganda has approximately 1.7 to 2.5 million orphans, with over 40,000 children living in institutional care (orphanages), 60% of whom have at least one living biological parent.

As of 2020, Uganda hosts around 41,000 unaccompanied child refugees, and 93% of rural children are estimated to be engaged in agriculture.

Many Ugandan children are left on roadsides or in dumpsites, making them harder to find. Some abandoned children may never be discovered, leading to even higher abandonment numbers.

The cost of abandoning a child is immense. Children represent the future, and abandonment can cause permanent damage. A damaged child often becomes a damaged adult, unable to contribute positively to society.

Abandoned children experience insecurity, chronic anxiety, low self-worth, and trust issues throughout their lives. They may feel worthless, avoid social interactions, and exhibit problematic behaviors, all of which threaten their potential to become positive citizens.

Local authorities attribute rising abandonment rates to fathers denying paternity, unwanted pregnancies, lack of support for young mothers, and extreme poverty.

Domestic violence may also be a future risk for these children, as feelings of worthlessness can make them vulnerable. Research in the United States shows that abandonment can lead to health problems, including chronic pain, mental illness, heart disease, and cancer.

Abandonment trauma impacts every aspect of a child’s life, affecting their self-relationship and interactions with others. As children grow, they may internalize feelings of shame and guilt related to their abandonment.

Sleep disturbances are common among children with abandonment trauma. Nightmares about being abandoned can disrupt their sleep cycles. Caregivers can spot signs of abandonment issues through repeated dreams.

The United States provides mental health treatment, adoption, and temporary homes to help abandoned children become responsible citizens. While not foolproof, this system offers some support. Uganda can also help these children in various ways.

First, providing quality education can build self-worth and reduce social avoidance and negative behaviors, ultimately leading to good citizenship.

Hands-on support is crucial. Taking time to talk with children of all ages can reassure them that their abandonment was not their fault and allow them to share their stories.

Sponsorship can significantly benefit these children by providing education, clothing, and nutritious food.

Ugandans can make a difference in these children’s lives. Investing time and resources can improve the future of the entire country.

The United States offers therapy and foster care to help abandoned children become responsible citizens, providing a workable system that Uganda can learn from.

Approximately 35 million children in Africa lack proper parental care, facing risks of violence and trafficking. Globally, over 140 million children are orphans, with 3 to 9 million on wb