This article reports on a mushrooming of children's institutions in Uganda and the poor standards of care and abuse met by children in those institutions. A survey by the Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development in 2012 found a total of 450 children's homes but noted that many institutions are operating without the knowledge or permission of the Ministry or district staff. It recommended urgent interventions to protect children in these institutions. The article tells the harrowing story of 11 years old Jamillah who fled violence at the hands of her father and stepmother only to face further violence in the children's home where she hoped to find a better future. The article also highlights efforts by the Ugandan authorities to regulate and close institutions including the adoption of a national alternative care framework and the establishment of a committee with guidelines on which children's homes must be closed.
