State Minister for Youth and Children Affairs Balaam Barugahara has issued a strong warning to content creators who use children in their online videos, saying the practice could violate child protection and safeguarding laws.
In a statement shared on his X account, Balaam revealed that he had received a formal complaint from Mukono Municipality MP Betty Namboze Bakireke, alongside a group of children’s rights advocates. The complaint raised concerns about the growing trend of involving minors in social media content without their consent.
The minister specifically called out popular TikToker Katongole Anthony, widely known as Chicken Chicken, after reviewing videos that allegedly show a child being forced to kneel before receiving food.
“This is a deeply troubling and unacceptable practice that must cease with immediate effect,” Balaam stated.
He went on to caution the TikToker and his associates, including Uncle Chumi, against what he described as harassment and exploitation of minors for content creation. While acknowledging that discipline is part of raising children, Balaam stressed that such actions should never be turned into public entertainment.
Using children for content creation against their will amounts to exploitation and is unacceptable.
Minister Balaam Barugahara
The minister warned that individuals engaging in such practices risk breaching several laws, including those related to child protection, privacy and consent, child labor, and online safety.
Balaam also pointed out that countries like the United States, the United Kingdom, and Australia have already established strict legal frameworks governing children’s participation in online content, an approach Uganda may increasingly lean towards.
He urged content creators to act responsibly and prioritize the safety and dignity of children, rather than chasing views and online engagement.
Let us not exploit children and minors for personal gain. Our responsibility is to protect them, not expose them.
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