Napak

Situated in northeastern Uganda

Napak, located in the northeastern part of Uganda, is statistically the region where 70% of all Uganda’s street children originate from. Various circumstances have contributed to Napak becoming a troubled and unstable region. The primary cause of migration to the capital city was the insecurity and armed conflicts that ravaged the area. Many men either left or died, leaving women and children behind on their own.

They became victims of livestock and property theft, which triggered the next wave of desperate women and children migrating from the area to the capital. They were searching for a way to survive this heartbreaking situation. The extremely hot and dry climate in the north only adds to the poverty during seasons of famine.

Children are the most vulnerable group and the greatest victims of the entire crisis. They find their way to the capital, usually accompanied by adults who make all kinds of false promises to their parents. These children end up on the streets, exposed to a harsh life and the dangers that come with it.

You see them in groups, begging on the sidewalks, in traffic, really everywhere…

In April 2014, 66 children from the juvenile prison were entrusted to Koinonia’s care by the government, in collaboration with UWESO (Uganda Women’s Effort to Save Orphans) and placed in Masulita Children’s Village in Wakiso-Kampala. These 43 girls and 23 boys had spent months in the children’s prison as a result of recent legal efforts to combat the exploitation of children on the streets.

Every child placed under our care receives guidance, support, food, and shelter—and is prepared for resettlement. Above all, these children learn that they are precious, loved, and that God has a plan for their lives. When children are able to return home, they are given the chance to be supported and followed up by Koinonia.

In Napak, the government has a policy that street children should not be placed in a shelter, but rather reintegrated into their family or extended family. To safeguard their physical and mental well-being, Koinonia supports the children of Napak by enrolling them in good schools within the region.
During school holidays, the children return home, and throughout the year they are closely monitored both at school and at home by the Koinonia team. Children who are too young to attend school receive support directly within their family environment.

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Read more about our tailoring training and our other projects:
– Kabale
– Wakiso-Kampala
– Napak-North