Huye District Calls on Families to Take Responsibility in Addressing the Growing Number of Street Children

Authorities in Huye District have called on families to fully assume their responsibility in raising and protecting children, as the district continues to face a growing challenge of street children, particularly in Huye Town and its surrounding areas.

An increasing number of young children are seen roaming the streets, surviving through begging and, in some cases, petty theft. Many of them spend nights under bridges or in other unsafe locations, exposing them to abuse, health risks, and exploitation.

Authorities Concerned Over Rising Numbers

Although Huye District has previously worked with various partners to reduce the number of street children—with notable progress—local leaders say the situation has recently taken a worrying turn.

According to testimonies from residents interviewed by Top Africa News, some parents are reportedly sending their children to the streets to beg, while others accompany them. This practice has raised serious concerns among community members and local authorities.

Residents Decry Parental Neglect

Residents have described the situation as a sign of increasing neglect within some families.

Claudine Mukamana, a resident of Ngoma Sector, said it is distressing to witness parents abandoning their responsibilities.

“It is heartbreaking to see a young child begging on the street while the parent sits nearby watching. Instead of taking children to school, some parents are turning them into a source of income,” she said.

Jean Paul Habimana, another resident, believes family breakdown is a major cause of the problem.

“Most of these children actually have parents, but they are neglected. When a child grows up without care or guidance, the street becomes their only option. This puts both their future and public safety at risk,” he explained.

District Emphasizes Role of Families

Huye District Mayor Ange Sebutege acknowledged that the issue of street children remains a daily challenge for the local administration. He stressed that while authorities continue to collaborate with various stakeholders, families must play a central role in finding sustainable solutions.

“We confront the issue of street children on a daily basis. However, the family is the foundation of any lasting solution. Parents must understand that raising, guiding, and protecting their children is not optional it is their primary responsibility,” Mayor Sebutege said.

Root Causes Identified

Local authorities have identified several factors contributing to the increase in street children, including domestic conflicts, lack of parental care, extreme poverty, and poor parenting practices.

Community leaders agree that addressing these root causes requires strong collaboration between families, local authorities, social services, and the wider community.

Call for Collective Action

The Huye District administration is calling on citizens to actively participate in child protection efforts by reporting cases of abuse, neglect, or exploitation. Authorities also encourage the public to support community initiatives aimed at reintegrating children into families and schools.

District leaders emphasize that protecting children’s rights is essential not only for the children’s future but also for building a safe, stable, and sustainable society.