Mukono District Holds Annual Review Meeting for Approved Children’s Homes and Foster Care Programme, Applauds Their Role in Supporting Vulnerable Children, Pledges More Support, and Warns Against Illegal Facilities.

Kyampisi Sub-County, Mukono North:
Mukono District Local Government, in collaboration with the Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development, has convened its annual review meeting for all approved children’s homes and foster care programmes. The meeting, held at Vision for Africa Hotel in Bulimu Nkonge, Kyampisi Sub-County, brought together district officials, children’s home administrators, foster care partners, and other stakeholders to assess progress, share experiences, and strategize for improved child welfare services in the district.

Ms. Dorah Najjuma, the District Probation and Welfare Officer, presented the annual review report highlighting key achievements and challenges. She noted that Mukono District successfully established a District Alternative Care Panel, which is now actively facilitating the placement of children into foster care and adoption. Over the financial year 2024/2025, the probation office handled 1,540 child-related cases, including neglect, abandonment, defilement, and children in conflict or contact with the law.

The department also conducted support supervision visits in nine of the approved children’s homes, in partnership with the Ministry, though four homes—Miifa, Abaana, Vision for Africa, and Rescue One More—were yet to be covered. Ms. Najjuma praised the cooperation between the district and care institutions, particularly the foster care programme run by Love Without Boundaries, which now manages a database of 80 foster parents across the district.

However, several challenges persist, including inadequate funding for follow-ups, irregular panel meetings due to limited resources, a gender imbalance in foster placements favoring girls over boys, and high expectations from foster parents, many of whom are economically vulnerable themselves. Additionally, the department struggles with lack of transport, affecting field supervision.

Ms. Minisa Namulondo, the District Community Development Officer, thanked the Chief Administrative Officer’s office for supporting the probation department and commended the dedication of partner organizations that continue to work hand in hand with the district to protect vulnerable children.

Mr. Stephen Muhumuza, Deputy Chief Administrative Officer who officiated the meeting on behalf of CAO Ms. Elizabeth Namanda, acknowledged the critical role of the Community Based Services Department and pledged increased budgetary support for probation and welfare services. He also cautioned negligent parents, emphasizing that legal frameworks protecting children will be enforced, and thanked partners for their unwavering support to Mukono’s social welfare agenda.

The Principal Probation and Welfare Officer from the Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development, Mr. Butanda Shafiq, lauded Mukono District for consistently organizing review meetings involving all 12 registered children’s homes—an effort that was rare in previous years. He emphasized the importance of holding such engagements biannually, and urged all homes to read and implement the Children Act and Approved Homes Regulations, warning illegal operators to align with national standards or face consequences.

Representing the District Chairperson Hon. Rev. Dr. Peter Bakaluba Mukasa, the Vice Chairperson and Secretary for Finance, Planning and Administration, Hon. Jorem Kabali Kimera, delivered the Chairperson’s message of appreciation to all children’s homes for their unwavering commitment to supporting and transforming the lives of vulnerable children. He reiterated the district’s promise to advocate for increased funding for child welfare services and called for more efforts in skilling children within the homes to ensure they can live independently and productively once they exit care.

The review also celebrated the contribution of 12 certified institutions across various sub-counties; Kyampisi: Abaana Children’s Ministry, Ebenezer, Kyampisi Child Care Ministry,Nama: Havilla Children’s Home, Off-tu-Mission, Vision for Africa,Goma: Noah’s Ark Children’s Home, Agape Children’s Village,Nakisunga: Good Future and Hope,Mpata: Bethany Children’s Home,Mukono Central Division: Rescue One More, Love Without Boundaries (Foster Care Programme)

The annual review meeting reaffirmed Mukono District’s commitment to safeguarding children's rights through collaboration, supervision, and support to legally recognized institutions. While progress is being made, the district remains vigilant against illegal childcare facilities and is calling upon all stakeholders including communities, donors, and caregivers to rally behind this cause. With consistent support, transparency, and shared responsibility, Mukono aims to build a stronger and more inclusive child protection system that leaves no child behind.