HASHTAG GULU CHAMPIONS FAMILY REUNION TO BOOST JUVENILE REHABILITATION IN GULU

A group of parents during a scheduled visit to see their children at the Gulu remand home.

By Proscovia Achomo
Gulu City

In a concerted initiative to improve juvenile rehabilitation, Hashtag Gulu, together with Watwero Dance Company, hosted a meaningful Reunion Day on Wednesday, October 1, at the Gulu Remand Home. The event aimed to reconnect children in detention with their families, reinforcing the vital role that family support plays in the successful reintegration of young offenders.

The event attracted parents, from across the Acholi and Lango subregions, all emphasizing a shared belief: lasting reform begins from home.

Isaac Opio, Project Coordinator at Hashtag Gulu, underscored the power of family involvement in transforming young lives. "This initiative is a clear sign that we care deeply concern about the children in remand. Your visits inspire hope and courage. I urge parents not to abandon their children. Show them love, support their journey, and work hand-in-hand with the facility. When they return, let it be as responsible and reformed individuals. Our community’s future depends on it," said Opio

He pointed out that juveniles who rarely receive family visits often feel isolated and angry, which can increase their chances of reoffending. To combat this, Hashtag
Gulu organizes biannual family reunification events, offering transport, shared meals, and a supportive atmosphere to rebuild crucial family ties.

Operating across eight districts in Northern Uganda, Hashtag Gulu is a youth-led organization focused on empowering vulnerable children, especially those living and working on the streets. Their programs, such as Art for Community Transformation, use creative arts, music, dance, drama, and critical thinking to help juveniles heal from trauma, build resilience, and rediscover their identity.

Daisy Akello, teacher and social worker at Gulu Remand Home, praised the reunion and stressed the importance of ongoing family engagement. "I want to thank the parents who continue to support their children despite their current circumstances. Mistakes happen, but it’s our duty to guide these children toward a better path. They are loved, and we are committed to helping them grow," she said.

Akello also highlighted efforts within the facility to provide education, life skills training, and emotional care. "The children here are active learners, supported by partners like Hashtag Gulu, gaining skills that prepare them for a brighter future. Our hope is that they return to their communities as positive role models, ready to make different choices."

Catherine Aselo, Officer-in-Charge at Gulu Remand Home, expressed concern over the low levels of parental involvement, particularly during court sessions. "It’s heartbreaking that some children have never had a visitor since their arrival," she lamented. "Though we strive to care for them with limited resources, families must share the responsibility in their children’s rehabilitation."

She appealed to community members, organizations, and partners including Hashtag Gulu, Don Bosco, and World Embrace to collaborate in providing the education, mentorship, and care necessary to transform the lives of these children.

Currently, the remand home houses 56 juveniles,54 boys and 2 girls, exceeding its official capacity of 54. The facility, designed for equal gender distribution, is under pressure, with many juveniles facing serious charges such as murder, aggravated defilement, rape, burglary, and theft.

Adding to the challenges, the facility’s only vehicle has broken down, delaying court proceedings and prolonging remand for many, especially those from outside Gulu City. To alleviate overcrowding, 61 juveniles, mostly repeat offenders, were recently transferred to Kampiringisa National Rehabilitation Centre in Mpigi District.

Parents at the reunion expressed both gratitude and sorrow. Anna Atala, a mother from Oyam District, shared her pain seeing so many children in detention. "My heart breaks every time I visit the remand home. It’s a reminder of how fragile our children’s futures are," she said. "I pray they find freedom and healing, and that once released, they grow into kind, strong individuals who never return to this place."

Corinna Acaa, a parent from Olwiyo, Nwoya District, pointed to family instability as a major cause pushing children toward crime. "Many families face breakups and domestic struggles, creating unsafe environments for children," she explained. "Without a supportive home, children seek belonging elsewhere, sometimes falling into bad company. We need more family support programs to build stable homes and protect our youth."

David Odoch, a para-social worker from Lamwo District, voiced serious concern about rising parental neglect. "Strengthening family involvement is key to preventing juvenile crime and helping youth develop positively," he said.

In a show of solidarity, Watwero Dance Company and Hashtag Gulu donated traditional musical instruments including drums, a xylophone, and calabashes—to enhance the remand home’s occupational therapy program, providing creative outlets to support the children’s emotional well-being.

In Uganda’s juvenile remand homes, the population is over 1,300, predominantly male, with females constituting only a small fraction of detainees, raising concerns about the availability of gender-sensitive care and rehabilitation programs.

Overcrowding is widespread; for example, Gulu Remand Home houses 56 juveniles mostly boys exceeding its official capacity of 54, while Mbale Remand Home accommodates over 110 children despite being designed for fewer than 50.

Regional disparities are evident, with facilities like Kabale and Arua reporting particularly high numbers of detained youth, reflecting varied local challenges across the country.