Stopping child abandonment in Uganda

Eddie* was 13 years old when he got lost on the streets of Kampala whilst trying to find his mothers’ home. His parents had parted ways a few years before, and he wanted to go and stay with his Mum. He walked from his Father’s village into Kampala, thinking he could find his Mum’s house, but he got lost and didn’t have a phone or any money and couldn’t remember where his Mum lived. 

Eddie was found living on the streets and referred to the Ewafe Project. He told our social workers that he had been sleeping outside for two days, but his appearance and health suggested that it was much longer than this - potentially months. Eddie was taken to the doctor, and given new clothes, a warm bed, good food and a safe place to stay at the Ewafe Project. Social workers worked with him to discover his story. 

Eddie couldn’t remember where his mother lived, but he knew his parent’s names and the village where his father lived. After speaking to police stations, social services and local leaders in the community, our social workers eventually found Eddie’s dad. 

Tragically, Eddie’s father thought that Eddie knew where his mother lived, and assumed that Eddie was capable of finding his way. Through Eddie’s dad, our social workers made contact with Eddie’s mother, who also had no idea that Eddie had been on the streets, looking for her home. 

Eddie’s mum had tried to check in with Eddie, but Eddie’s dad’s number had been disconnected.

After four months at the Ewafe Project, Eddie was finally reintegrated with his mother and two younger sisters. His mum was delighted to have him home and grateful that the Ewafe Project was able to look after him in his time of need. 

In many cases, children find themselves all alone in Kampala because of poverty or even miscommunication. Often young children or teenagers are assumed to be able to take care of themselves before they are equipped to do so and this can mean that many children lose contact with their families completely. Without the Ewafe Project, Eddie may still be living on the streets, he could be involved in gang violence or vulnerable to abuse. Thanks to Kids Club Kampala he is now safe with his mother where he wants to be. 

There are estimated to be over 40,000 children currently in institutional care in Uganda. This is the story of just one.