UK Groups Have Been Funding Illegal Orphanages In Africa, Where Children Live In Poor Conditions

The depravity of humans can be beyond shocking. It has been revealed that some groups in the United Kingdom have been funding illegal orphanages in Uganda, and the Ugandan government announced a program to close these illegal orphanages. 

In an investigation by the BBC, it was disclosed that charities, church groups and volunteers were funding at least 60 orphanages and children's homes in Uganda. In response, the Ugandan government said that it was going to shut down more than 500 unlicensed orphanages in Uganda. 

The government has swiftly responded in order to improve oversight as regards the welfare of children in these places. Some people said that they did not even know they were funding illegal orphanages.

The BBC got insight into this when they recorded the closure of one illegal home in Masaka, an area south-west of Uganda. The place was sponsored by donors through Patrick Oldham from Manchester. Inside the home were 25 children who lives in deplorable conditions. 

" The open pit latrine toilets were flooding and there was no running water. One boy had been circumcised and was living with an untreated, painful infection.

Many of the other children also had skin infections which they say weren't being treated." 

The living conditions were beyond poor. The children were returned to their families after the place was shut down. 

There have been beatings at orphanages. Some of the children were burnt using melting plastic. Other children got typhoid from drinking contaminated water.

The government warned UK donors not to fund these illegal orphanages.  The permanent secretary of the Ugandan ministry responsible for children Pius Bigirimana said: 

"If you are interested in supporting these children, don't just go put money into a home which is unlisted.

"Why don't you assist the family to look after the children instead of looking at an institution?"

What this means is that there are some people making money and profiteering from the plight of other children, and it is sickening. And pathetic. 

Header image credit: BBC