Nsangi Primary School Pupils March Against Violation of Women’s Rights

Nsangi Nursery and Primary School pupils in a Kodak moment with staff and police officers at Wandegeya Police Station

HABARI DAILY I Kampala, Uganda I     Officials of the Uganda Police Force have cautioned learners to respect other people’s human rights, saying it’s the only way they will grow into responsible citizens.

Human rights, which are fundamental freedoms and protections to which all human beings are entitled to regardless of nationality, ethnicity, religion, have been violated in many parts of the world, most especially on the African continent.

“Being aware of other people’s rights and protecting them will make you better citizens and teach you how to love not only your neighbors but your country as well,” said SP Monica Mbakire, the officer in charge of Child and Family Protection Unit at Wandegeya Police Station said.

She made the remarks while addressing pupils of Nsangi Nursery and Primary School, who had marched against violation of women’s rights, from their school located at Wandegeya, in commemoration of the International Women’s Day, which was held on March 8^th.

Mbakire urged the children to always remain humble, vigilant, and report any violations done on them or counterparts.

“Always be cautious. Do not allow yourself to suffer in silence. Do not tolerate bad touches and vulgar language, since this may lead to violation of your rights,” she noted.

Nsangi Nursery and Primary School pupils on the march through the streets of Wandegeya

Sergeant Rebecca Nababi, an officer from the Department of Child and Family Protection at Wandegeya Police Station, said the International Women’s Day is used to promote women’s rights.

“Women like me can now stand in front of a whole school, speak and be heard. In the past, it was only men who would speak and make vital decision for the family and community. Women have now been empowered to stand and speak their minds,” she said.

She further pointed out that empowerment is not only for the girl child but also the boy child. “On the 9th of November of every year, we celebrate the Men’s Day, and that that is in direct consideration of the boy child. We should shy away from discrimination based on gender,” she said.

The pupils leave Wandegeya Police Station after the sensitisation

Mr Stephen Ochan Opolot, the Nsangi PS Headmaster said human rights protection is of outmost importance, since it ensures dignity of all people, according them equality and mutual respect.

“Nsangi this year will be celebrating 52 years of existence. We have produced teachers, doctors, lawyers, architects, among others. The foundation of mutual respect for each other, which is part of our core values has enabled us stand strong and flourish through the years,” he said.

The Nsangi Nursery and Primary School director, Mrs Mai Bukirwa

Mrs Mai Bukirwa, the Nsangi PS director, said that they have groomed their learners to grow up knowing that a woman is important.

“Right from the word go, we let them know that women are mothers of the nation. We urge them not to discriminate against women, since without them, this nation will never be,” she said, adding that making them march through the community of Makerere Kikoni, Katanga, to the Wandegeya Police Station was intended at making them lean that women are leaders as well as role models.

“While at Wandegeya Police station, they were addressed by senior women police officers, who talked to them authoritatively and showed them that even the voice of a woman matters, and can be heard,” she said.

Mr Stephen Ochan Opolot, the Nsangi Nursery and Primary School Headmaster

Mrs Bukirwa said since 1972, when the school was founded, they have managed to churn out over 3,000 alumni, who have become doctors, engineers, bankers, magistrates, among others.

Nsangi Nursery and Primary School, one of the oldest schools in Kampala district, has been a top performer in Primary Leaving Examinations (PLE), and is fully registered by the Ministry of Education and Sports.