Rédaction Africa Links 24 with JANE NAFULA,Isaac Kasamani
Published on 2024-02-02 07:29:46
The decision by the government to entrust the High Court with the mandate of handling inter-country adoptions has resulted in a decrease in the number of children taken on by foreigners, according to a government official. Mr Shafik Butanda, the principal probation officer in the Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development, stated that since the new guidelines were announced in 2020, there has been a noticeable decline in inter-country adoptions.
Mr Butanda further explained that the numbers of inter-country adoptions have decreased significantly, with the USA as an example. He mentioned that in the last three years, if 20 children were being adopted by families in the USA, that number has now reduced to around five. The main reason for this decline is attributed to strict adherence to the new regulations put in place. Mr Butanda pointed out that in the past, people were bypassing the law, leading to a high number of inter-country adoptions.
In 2020, the Judiciary issued new rules on child adoption as a result of concerns raised by the United States of America regarding unlicensed children who were confined in a home in Kampala. The guidelines recommended that all inter-country adoption matters be handled by the Family Division of the High Court, and that all High Court circuits cease handling inter-country adoption applications, transferring the files to the Family Division.
Mr Butanda disclosed that previously, all courts in Uganda were authorized to hear and grant child adoption cases. However, under the new guidelines, adoption applications are presented to the Family Division of the High Court for ease of supervision. Three judges were specifically identified to handle these matters due to their background in family law.
Probation officers in districts, municipalities, and cities are responsible for preparing adoption files, which are then sent to the Ministry of Gender for review. The ministry conducts interviews with the applicants and, upon finding them suitable, recommends them to the Family Division of the High Court for adoption rights.
Mr Butanda also emphasized that the capacity of probation officers at district levels has been strengthened to ensure adherence to the law. In contrast to the centralization of inter-country adoption, local adoption has been decentralized. This involves a partnership between the High Court and the Ministry of Gender.
The director of Sanyu Babies Home, Ms Barbra Nankya, explained that they have been witnessing an increase in the number of Ugandans embracing adoption, compared to foreign adopters. The home receives daily inquiries about adoption, with a long waiting list of over 40 families wanting to adopt. Ms Nankya also noted that more children are now being absorbed into families through adoption, as opposed to being transferred to other institutions such as Watoto and SOS.
The majority of those who adopt children are individuals whose biological children have completed studies, those who have not yet had biological children, single people, widows, or those with a specific preference for a child’s sex. To demystify and celebrate adoption, Sanyu Babies Home has organized a conference scheduled for March 7 in Kampala.
Furthermore, Mr Butanda outlined the requirements for individuals wishing to adopt children, which include being mentally sound, having a source of livelihood, believing in positive parenting, having no criminal record, and being recommended by local council chairpersons. Additionally, they must have a stable place of abode with adequate accommodation and a desire to care for the children.
In conclusion, the government’s decision to shift the responsibility of handling inter-country adoptions to the High Court has led to a significant reduction in inter-country adoptions in Uganda. The move has also strengthened the capacity of local adoption and ensured that the adoption process is conducted in adherence to the law.
Read the original article on Uganda Monitor
