Lira city struggles to get rid of street kids

Lira, Uganda |  THE INDEPENDENT  |  Lira City is struggling to get rid of street kids. Currently, the kids stage in dark corners, near compost heaps and garbage skips as well other busy places in the town. Some of the streets are linked to criminal activities in the town.

The Mayor, Mike Ogwang says although the presence of the street kids is a matter of concern to the authorities, they don’t have an immediate solution due to lack of funds.

Ogwang also says that Lira lacks a rehabilitation home for street kids, which makes it difficult to resettle some of the children pulled off the streets.

He tasked the LCI Chairpersons and the secretaries in charge of children affairs to ensure the well-being of every child in the community so that no child leaves home to come to the streets.

The presence of street children has raised concern among residents in Lira City.

David Olang, a resident of Obuto-welo in Lira City East division says there is a need for the City authorities to work towards getting rid of street kids from Lira City. Olang, some of the street kids throw stones at residents when they don’t give them money or food. 

Faith Hope Adongo, a resident of Senior Quarters, says some of the streets kids move armed with sticks and knives, which exposes the residents to danger.

According to Adongo, some of the street kids have now grown into street men and women posing a serious security threat.  

Eng. James Robert Ajal, the Prime Minister of Lango Cultural Foundation says the institution has started an initiative of tracing the relatives of the street kids.  

Florence Akoli alias ‘Imat Apuli’ who is in charge of welfare at the office of the Lango paramount chief blamed a surge in the number of street children on the neglect by some parents.

*******

URN