L-R: Babrah Nankya, Director of Sanyu Babies Home, Damon Wamara, Executive Director, Uganda Child Rights NGO Network, Sheila Kawamara-Mishambi, former legislator and Executive Director, Eastern African Sub-Regional Support Initiative for the Advancement of Women (EASSI) and Andrew Rugasira, Chairman of Adoptive Parents Initiative addressing the press on Monday at Arie Towers (PHOTO/Nelson Mandela).
KAMPALA – As the world marks World Adoption Day on November 9, Uganda’s adoption community comes together to raise awareness and advocate for vulnerable children. Uganda Child Rights NGO Network (UCRNN), Adoptive Parents Initiative, and Sanyu Babies Home are at the forefront of this movement.
Babrah Nankya, Director of Sanyu Babies Home, highlights the alarming reality that over 50,000 children live in institutions in Uganda, awaiting a loving family to call their own.
“Many of these children are abandoned in garbage heaps, rescued from pit latrines, or found in bushes and roadsides. When they arrive at the home, efforts are made to trace their relatives, but this often proves difficult. As a result, the home relies on fostering and adoption to provide these children with a stable family environment.”
However, Nankya says this process is challenging due to the preference for younger children, particularly girls.
“In reality, many institutionalized children are older, with some as old as 18. Once they reach adulthood, they must leave the institution, but transitioning to independent living can be daunting,” she told the press on Monday, noting that, this is why adoption is crucial.
Although every child deserves a loving family, regardless of age, health status, or special needs, Nankya says children with HIV or disabilities often face longer stays in institutions due to stigma and misconceptions.
She urged Ugandans to consider adoption and foster care, providing these resilient children with the love and support they deserve.
Andrew Rugasira, Chairman of Adoptive Parents Initiative, emphasized the complexities of adoption that begins with a deliberate decision.
He explains that prospective adoptive parents must foster a child for a year, undergoing rigorous inspections by probation officers, before receiving a court-issued adoption order.
Despite the rewards, Rugasira says challenges persist.
“The adoption process can be lengthy and tiresome, and the issue of disclosure – when and how to inform the child about their adoption – can be daunting. Some people believe it will emotionally challenge the children.”
He revealed that information gaps abd financial burdens often lead to abandoned adoption processes which compromises children’s rights.
“Through Adoptive Parents Initiative, we’ve created a supportive community where experienced adoptive parents share insights and expertise. Prospective adopters access vital information and guidance, and collective knowledge empowers families to navigate adoption’s complexities. By sharing our experiences and encouraging one another, we mitigate the risks associated with adoption and ensure the best interests of the child remain paramount.”
Damon Wamara, Executive Director of UCRNN, stresses the urgency of the situation. “Uganda has 2.5 million children out of parental care, with only 1% placed for adoption annually,” he notes.
“We must streamline the process, raise awareness, and encourage families to consider adoption.”
Wamara believes that community involvement is crucial in creating loving homes for these children.
Together, these advocates urge Ugandans to support adoption and foster care. They recognize that adoption is not an easy process but believe that every child deserves a loving family. By sharing personal experiences, expertise, and resources, they aim to empower prospective adoptive families and create a supportive community.
The statistics are staggering. In Uganda, 2.5 million children lack parental care, and only 1% are placed for adoption annually. Globally, 260,000 children are adopted each year, which translates to fewer than 12 adoptions per 100,000 persons under 18. This emphasizes the need for increased awareness and understanding of adoption and foster care.
UCRNN has been instrumental in developing a legal framework for adoption that protects children’s rights and promotes ethical practices. The Children Act, amended in 2016, introduced key provisions such as residency requirements, fostering periods, and legal guardianship.
Despite these advancements, challenges persist. Complex bureaucracy and excessive legal fees complicate the process. Preferences for younger children leave many older children waiting for families. Lack of awareness about adoption rights and procedures deters potential adoptive families.
To address these challenges, Adoptive Parents Initiative and Sanyu Babies Home collaborate with UCRNN to:
Raise awareness about adoption and children’s rights
Streamline the adoption process
Provide support and resources for adoptive families
Encourage Ugandans to consider adoption
Their collective efforts have made a difference. Families have come forward to adopt, and communities are increasingly supportive. However, more work needs to be done.
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