Effects of juvenile delinquency on the economic activities in Uganda

Abstract

Juveniles are kept temporarily in Naguru Remand home while awaiting a court order on the disposition of their cases. The program emphasizes educational and recreational activities. From December 1975 through February 1976, 80 males and 17 females between 5 and 17 years were interviewed about age, tribe, educational level, parents' occupation, and reasons for placement in the home. Detailed information was recorded for only 69 subjects. Medical examinations given to each child discovered many infections from internal parasites, such as hookworm, round worm, whip worm. Fathers' main occupations were listed as peasant, businessman, banana seller, driver, army officer, and surveyor; and mothers' occupations were listed as housewife, peasant, banana seller, bar attendant, tailor, and midwife. Most children had been charged with theft. Others had been neglected or abandoned by parents. Previous studies on delinquent youths in Uganda have cited lack of parental care as a major cause and noted that the Kampiringisa Boys' school seemed to produce hardened delinquents who did not reform following their release. In another study of Kampala children, youths stated that they turned to crime because of unemployment and lack of opportunities for higher education. Delinquency can also be an expression of protest and rebellion against society, as evidenced in the Bayaye youth group. Suggested measures to combat juvenile delinquency include improved health care for families, day care centers to promote good health and education for preschool children, improvement of slum conditions, and provision of educational and recreational programs for older children.