Chapter One

CHAPTER ONE
Introduction
This chapter takes into account, the background of the study, statement of the problem,
purpose; objectives, research questions, scope, significance and the conceptual framework of
the study.
1.1 Background of the Study
Socio-political and economic factors such as unstable political transition, conflict, rejection by
family has resulted in an increased street children populace globally (Aptekarand Stoecklin,
201 4; Beazley, 2013; Panter-Brick, 2002; Osei-Twun and Wasan, 2012). A report by (WHO,
2018) stated that as the focus of the project is on developing the capacity of local
organizations to prevent, assess and manage psychoactive substance use problems among
street children. Literature and sub statistics within the African context reported an alarming
increase of over 10million the street children, from approximately 100million street children,
(UNICEF, 2012 to 2015).
A great number of these children have little access to education and health facilities
(Bordenaro, 2012; Henley, Me Alpine, Mueller and Venter, 2010. In 2015, under the UN
convention on the rights of the children and African charter on the rights and welfare of the
child, constitution of Uganda and children act, children in Uganda have certain rights. These
include the rights to survival, education and development, protection and participation.
Developed and developing countries widely acknowledge and recognize the phenomenon of
street children. The phenomenon is often associated with difficulty of definition and
classification due to varied context in which street children live. Some researchers consider
that the concept of street children is the manifestation of various societal and civil agendas
(Panter-Brick, 2002).
Controversies relating to this definition of street children continue to prevail within varied
sociopolitical contexts (Ursin, 2011). according to UNICEF (2005) are grouped into three
main heterogeneous categories that include; children at risk, children of the streets and
children on the streets. In Uganda, street children are defined according to the (Children's Act
Cap. 59. 2016) they are described as "a street child means a child who; -
(a) because of abuse, neglect, poverty, community upheaval or any other reason, has left his or
her home, family or community and lives, begs, or works on streets or (b) because of
inadequate care, begs or works on the streets but returns home after night" (Constitution of the
Republic of Uganda 1995).
Street children in street children Uganda are also described as children living and working on
the streets. In Uganda, the increase in street children numbers has raised concern by
authorities who have begun to review policies and legislation on street children (Baatjies,
2005; Sevenhuijsen, Bozalek, GouwsandMinaar-Mc Donald, 2003). An estimated 50,000
children reside on the streets and great number are living within greater towns and cities of
Uganda. The increase in the street children population in the country has reached an alarming
rates and is a major cause of concern that has been linked to the HIV/AIDs pandemic
(Cluver& Gardner, 2006; Ward &Seagar, 20 10).
The influential factors that draw children to the streets have an impact on their general well-
being and place them at further risk due to the adversities of street life (Malindi, 2014).
Problems such as alcohol, drug abuse, abuse, sexual risk behaviors are common social ills that
confront street children (Adebeyi, 2014; Bambonye, and Elbeft, 2014; Suliman, 2010).
Street children often have little knowledge of the adverse effects of substances (Bamaby,
Erikson 2010) and are more likely to use substances as a way of coping with life on the street
(Ayuk,Atwoli, Freeman and Braitstein2012).
In Uganda, socio-economic factors such as poverty abuse and poor social and economic
conditions have an impact on the children's development and a greater number of children
continue and live on the streets. In Uganda, studies focus in health problems, stigma, condom
use among adolescents and street children (Eaton, Flisher and Aaro, 2003; Thurman, Brown
and Maharaj, 2006). It is crucial to examine the psychological well-being of street children
within a context like Uganda.
1.2 Statement of the problem
In Uganda, varied push and pull factors such as social, economic, and political factors have
had a waving impact on the causes and the increase of the children residing on the streets.
(Bray. Ennew, 2003). Studies highlighted the many problems of government systems within a
context like Uganda (Gilson, Blaauw2006). The seemingly lack of concern and protection by
authorities and the general public of street children has been linked to the prevailing negative
perceptions and stigma associated with these children are often considered social problems
and are less likely to be safeguarded and cared for whilst living on the streets by authorities
(Adeboyejo, Ogunkan2014). Previous studies in Uganda focused on orphan-hood due to
HIV/AIDs related knowledge, attitude, behaviors and the backgrounds of the street children
(Cluver, 2006; Ennew, 2003).
1.3 Aims and Objectives of the Study (impact of drug abuse on psychological well-
being of street children in Kampala district).

The main aim of this study is to examine the impact of drug abuse on the psychological
wellbeing of street children and associated risk behaviors they may engage in. the specific
objectives of the study are:
i) To understand the reasons or causes of increasing population of street children in
Kampala district.
To analyse the effects of street children on education of the children in Kampala district.
iii) To find out the strategies for reducing street children in Kampala district.
1.4 Research Questions
In order to achieve the above-mentioned aim and objectives of this study, the following
research questions will be asked;
i) What are the causes of increasing population of street children in Kampala district?
ii) What are the effects of street children on education of both girls and boys in Kampala district
at large?
iii) Which strategies can be put to overcome the issue of street children in Kampala district?
1.5 Ethnical Considerations
The researcher will get a letter from the head of department of Applied psychological,
Kampala International University that service as an introduction to various respondents; after
he proceeded to the field for research. In addition, some people will be voluntarily asked to
participate in the various interviews. Research assistants will be informed about the
procedures of the research.
1.6 Content Scope

Street children, while identifying the causes of street children in the towns and cities, to
measure effects of street children in the towns to find out strategies used by authorities to
resolve street children or rooming streets.
1.7 Time scope
The study will take place for a short period of three months that is to say from December to
April 2019.
1.8 Significance of the Study
After data collection for this research, street children will be able to realize that they have
equal rights as other children, the study will increase the awareness, knowledge and sensitivity
among parents, staff of the respective towns and cities in the country and the study will be
researcher to accomplish his or her three years course in social work and social
administration, Kampala International University.

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CHAPTER ONE

1.1 Background of the Study

(UNICEF, 2012 to 2015).

Republic of Uganda 1995).

2005; Sevenhuijsen, Bozalek, GouwsandMinaar-Mc Donald, 2003). An estimated 50,000

(Cluver& Gardner, 2006; Ward &Seagar, 20 10).

(Ayuk,Atwoli, Freeman and Braitstein2012).

within a context like Uganda.

1.2 Statement of the problem

(Adeboyejo, Ogunkan2014). Previous studies in Uganda focused on orphan-hood due to

(Cluver, 2006; Ennew, 2003).

being of street children in Kampala district).

objectives of the study are:

i) To understand the reasons or causes of increasing population of street children in

1.4 Research Questions

research questions will be asked;

1.5 Ethnical Considerations

Kampala International University that service as an introduction to various respondents; after

procedures of the research.

1.6 Content Scope

resolve street children or rooming streets.

1.7 Time scope

1.8 Significance of the Study

administration, Kampala International University.

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