‘No Mercy for Abusers’: Kampala Archdiocese Resolves to Fire Members Implicated in Child Abuse
The Kampala Archdiocese has announced a new safeguarding policy that could lead to the dismissal of any clergy, religious workers, staff, or volunteers found guilty of abusing or harming children.
At the launch of the Child & Vulnerable Adult Safeguarding and Protecting Policy, on Thursday at Pope Paul Memorial Centre the Archbishop of Kampala, Most Rev. Paul Ssemwogerere, stressed that the Church no longer tolerates mistreatment of children — including corporal punishment, sexual harassment, emotional abuse, or neglect.
“We will not shirk our responsibility to protect the vulnerable.” Archbishop Noted .He called on church leaders, parents, and the wider community to support the new measures.
Under the new rules, any person accused of harming a child within church institutions can be suspended during investigations. Depending on the outcome, they may face dismissal under Church law (canon) and civil law.
For years, there have been troubling reports about abuse in Catholic schools under the Archdiocese — from physical punishment to neglect — but the Church lacked a standardized way to deal with offenders.
Many see the new policy as a long-overdue corrective measure. According to Prof. Patrick Edrin Kyamanywa, Vice Chancellor of Uganda Martyrs University, the absence of proper protocols in schools made it difficult to manage misconduct by teachers and protect vulnerable students.
This move could serve as a model for other dioceses in Uganda and beyond. In a country where faith institutions play a central role in education and social services, having clear, enforceable safeguarding policies is critical.
The Church’s decision may also encourage more victims to come forward, knowing that their claims will be formally investigated and, if proven, result in real consequences.
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