Street Children in Uganda
Leading Causes:
Conflict/War: There has been conflict in Uganda in the north and the northeast for the past twenty five years. These conflicts caused the deaths of many people including many parents (especially fathers) leaving children with only one parent or orphaned. These two conflicts also incite fear in families which makes them relocate to a big city. Once there, the family cannot find work and therefore they are not able to provide for their families.
AIDS: As W. James Jacob, an author in the Journal on Children and Poverty in 2004, wrote, "HIV/AIDS is the leading cause of orphanhood in Africa in general and Uganda specifically." While the infection rate has gone down in the past ten years in Uganda, the prevalence rate is still quite high. This disease leaves so many children without the proper care.
Poverty: In Uganda, approximately 46% of the population lives on less than $1 per day, according to 2001 World Health Organization estimates. With such little income, families have a hard time providing basic needs for all their children.
Where is Uganda in Africa? Uganda is one of three countries that comprise East Africa. It is highlighted in green below.  |
