World Vision and Joining Forces Coalition Unite for Children’s Rights at National Parliament

World Vision Uganda, in collaboration with the Joining Forces Coalition, held the National Children’s Parliament today, July 26, 2024, at the Uganda Parliament Conference Hall. This initiative aims to create a platform offering extensive opportunities to address issues of hunger, malnutrition, and their impact on children.

Paul Mwirichia, Director Response and Acting National Director of World Vision Uganda, emphasized the importance of providing children with forums to participate in matters related to their well-being and livelihood. “There is no better voice than the voice of children articulated by themselves. The National Children’s Parliament is therefore an extended opportunity for children to engage with key decision-makers on issues that affect them beyond informal engagement spaces. In line with our mandate to ensure life in all its fullness for the most vulnerable children, World Vision continues to support children with programs and initiatives that champion progress and better living, and today’s children’s parliament is one of them,” he stated.

The initiative also aims to highlight key aspects such as the provision of consistent school meals, malnutrition, and child hunger, which have persistently affected children. According to the UN’s Food and Agriculture Organization, Uganda’s fertile agricultural land can feed 200 million people. Remarkably, 80% of Uganda’s land is arable, yet only 35% is currently under cultivation.

“World Vision recently launched a campaign called ‘ENOUGH,’ aiming to end child hunger in Uganda and across the continent. The National Children’s Parliament is an extended platform where all stakeholders can join hands, listen to the children’s views, and together, find the best way forward to positively impact children’s lives today and for future generations. Through the ENOUGH drive, we aim to impact over 5 million people across our areas of operation,” added Mwirichia.

Justus Rugambwa, Co-ordinator of the Joining Forces Coalition, echoed the need for children’s involvement in activities and matters affecting them. “At Joining Forces Coalition, we aim to secure the rights of children by supporting their safe and meaningful participation at local, national, regional, and global levels. As demonstrated today, enforcing the right of children to be heard is a reality we appreciate and believe will promote collective child participation and involvement in issues that affect them, influencing key decisions that will improve children’s well-being in the long run,” he concluded.

The National Children’s Parliament targets key government officials, legislators, representatives from NGOs, civil society organizations, educators, parents, and the public.