Child Abuse in Busia Uganda: Causes, Magnitude and Consquences

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of the study research was to describe the causes, magnitude and consequences of child abuse in Busia Uganda. Methodology: The researcher used a cross- sectional research design which mainly involved qualitative in-depth interviews, FGDs and questionnaires as well as a descriptive and analytical study. Qualitative and descriptive methods were used to obtain exhaustive information on causes, magnitude, consequences and possible suggestions to curb child abuse in Busia district. The study involved a sample size of 110 people selected in Busia municipality and the sub counties of Buteba, Busitema and Sikuda. The data collected was sorted and edited for completeness, inconsistence and correctness of information given by the respondents. Qualitative data was grouped into themes and sub themes of the study to determine emerging patterns and generate interpretations and notes from respondents analyzed from large volume to meaningful components to respond to research objectives/questions into small units. Findings: the study found out that Poverty, poor parenting and attitude towards child protection, poor enforcement of laws, domestic violence, alcohol and drug abuse and urbanization as some respondents claimed that ignorance of the law was the cause of child abuse in Busia district. Conclusion: The study concluded that child abuse remains prevalent in the district despite various legislations and mechanisms locally and globally to combat the same. The vice continues to deprive many children in the world of their rights and freedoms and compromises their well-being and development due to the various physical, psychological, emotional and health impacts associated to it. Recommendation: The study recommended that government should adopt a multi-faceted approach to child abuse incorporating a combination of educational, behavioral, psychosocial, legal and economic interventions to holistically address the problem.