The effect of imprisonment of parents on children's upbringing in Uganda

Abstract

This study aimed at assessing the effect of imprisonment of parents on children's upbringing in Uganda using a case of Nakawa Division. The study was guided by the following objectives; To assess how children whose parents are in prison meet their needs in Nakawa Division, To examine the nature of crimes committed by parents in Nakawa Division and To suggest ways how the rights of children with parents in prison can be protected to meet their needs in Nakawa division. The researcher employed an exploratory research design which employed qualitative research approaches in the collection, presentation and analysis of the findings. The sample size was 80 respondents. Purposive sampling techniques were employed in selecting the respondents that constituted the sample size of the research. The researcher used focus group discussions and interview guides. The research findings confirmed that when parents are inmates, children are faced with financial circumstances and lack the guidance and support needed for positive child development. It was also concluded that children’s needs are met through very supportive and nurturing caregivers, family member’s brothers and sisters, help from NGOs and government, Foster care and Second parent (father/mother), prison service, visitors and that children get help from family of Africa and some people who come visit them and bring them books, eats and some clothes. The study analysed the nature of crimes committed by parents. These included, murder, theft, domestic violence, drugging trafficking, human trafficking, child abuse. The study identified that most crimes committed by parents are crimes of passion but attract longer sentences which makes parents serve longer durations in prisons. Lastly the study proposed several recommendations to different stakeholders that can be considered in order to safe guard the rights of children with parents in prison. The Uganda prison services was asked to maintaining a strong bond formed between parent and a child by ensuring regular visitation and extending time for visitations. Human Rights Organisations should unite as one voice for joint advocacy if they are to achieve tangible results. Government should increase the budget allocation to the Uganda Prison Services and ensure that more homes are built to take care of these children. The community should know that it is the responsibility of every citizen to look after children they should stop discrimination and naming children after crimes committed by their parents.