KAMPALA – Moses Manyi, now a father was abandoned at Mulago Hospital at just three years old, before he was taken in by SOS Villages, a care institution that provided for his basic needs.
Sharing his journey of abandonment on World Adoption Day, he revealed that, growing up without a family left him an unfillable void.
“As I grew older, questions swirled in my mind. At 10, I wondered why there were so many of us without fathers. It wasn’t until I finished university that the truth sank in – I was an abandoned child.”
He added, “But fate intervened. Before graduation, a friend learned of my story and introduced me to his family. They welcomed me with open arms, and for the first time, I experienced the warmth of family life.”
This transformative experience ignited a passion within Manyi who now advocates for adoption as the best care option for children like him.
“To all Ugandans, I appeal: consider adoption. Give a child like I once was the love, support, and identity that only a family can provide.”
Manyi is a living example of tens of thousands of children living in care homes whose dreams and rights can only be realised after being absorbed by adoptive families.
Uganda on Saturday joined the rest to the world to commemorate International Adoption Day, celebrated every November 9th. The day holds profound significance in promoting adoption awareness, understanding, and advocacy. This day educates people about adoption, dispelling myths and stereotypes, and shares inspiring experiences that highlight the joys and benefits of adoption.
By recognizing the love, dedication, and challenges faced by adoptive families, World Adoption Day supports those who have chosen to provide forever homes for children in need. The day also emphasizes every child’s right to a loving family and permanent home, encouraging individuals and couples to consider adoption.
World Adoption Day helps break cultural and societal stigmas surrounding adoption, promoting understanding and acceptance. It unites the adoption community, connecting adoptees, adoptive families, birth families, and adoption professionals worldwide.
According to Damon Wamara, Executive Director, Uganda Child Rights NGO Network – UCRNN, Uganda has 2.5 million children out of parental care, with only 1% placed for adoption annually.
“We must streamline the process, raise awareness, and encourage families to consider adoption.”
Wamara believes that community involvement is crucial in creating loving homes for these children.
The statistics are staggering. In Uganda, 2.5 million children lack parental care, and only 1% are placed for adoption annually. Globally, 260,000 children are adopted each year, which translates to fewer than 12 adoptions per 100,000 persons under 18. This emphasizes the need for increased awareness and understanding of adoption and foster care.
Andrew Rugasira, Chairman of Adoptive Parents Initiative emphasizes the importance of legal adoption, sharing his personal experience with adopted son Jonathan.
“The court process can be frustrating, but giving up means denying a child their rights under the law. My adopted son Jonathan, one of five children, is an equal shareholder in our family’s inheritance, just like his siblings.”
“This is why legal adoption matters. It secures a child’s future and protects their rights,” he added.
Rugasira stresses the cultural significance of local adoption noting that Ugandan children are better off with Ugandan families, where they can grow up within their own culture, environment, and identity.
“By adopting locally, we ensure our children’s heritage is preserved and their sense of belonging is strong.”
He encouraged Ugandans to consider adoption and provide loving homes for these deserving children.
Sheila Kawamara-Mishambi, an adoptive mother shares her personal experience with Uganda’s adoption process, highlighting the need for reform. While acknowledging the importance of protecting children’s rights, she emphasizes that the current system can be overly bureaucratic, complicated, and expensive for prospective parents.
“The government has implemented safeguards to prevent child trafficking, but these measures should not hinder legitimate adoptions.”
Kawamara cites several challenges, including excessive scrutiny, unnecessary judgment, and outdated systems.
“Prospective parents are treated like criminals, undergoing CID interrogation, and probation officers inspect homes without considering existing family dynamics.”
“Furthermore, registration for national ID requirements disregard adoption documents, insisting on biological parents’ information.” She urges the government to sensitize administrators to the ultimate goal: finding forever homes for children. She also advocates for simplifying and digitizing the adoption process and updating systems to recognize adopted children’s identities.
“By streamlining the adoption process, Uganda can create a more efficient, child-centric system. This will expedite adoptions, reunite children with loving families, and ensure their rights are protected.”
Zaina Nakubulwa, Supervisor of Children and Vulnerable Children at KCCA, issued a heartfelt appeal, “Fellow Ugandans, let’s come together to create loving families for children in institutional care. Moreover, let’s build safe environments that prevent children from entering care institutions in the first place.
“I’m thrilled to see progress. Many children, once abandoned with no known parents or relatives, are now finding forever families. Ugandan families are stepping up to provide loving homes.”
“Let’s continue this momentum. Every child deserves a nurturing environment, not an institution.”
The day was hosted in collaboration of Uganda Child Rights NGO Network (UCRNN), Adoptive Parents Initiative, and Sanyu Babies Home.
