The Association of Adoptive Parents in Uganda (AFA) is asking the government to reduce the costs prospective Ugandan adoptive parents have to pay to adopt children.
Sheila Kawamara-Mishambi, an association member, argues that this will enable Ugandans to adopt children easily instead of foreigners, who have, in some cases, exposed them to danger and alien culture.
According to Kawamara, who made these remarks on February 29, 2024, during an interview with a local broadcaster, adoption is allowed in Uganda under the Amended Children Act, which also stipulates steps that must be fulfilled for one to adopt a child.
“One needs a lawyer to represent their interests before the court. If that course could be subsidized by the government itself, whatever the adoptive parents are doing, it also helps us as a country,” Kawamala said.
She stated that, when these children are adopted by Ugandans, they will have the opportunity to live and grow up knowing they have a family around them and will be able to become more responsible citizens and serve our country.
“The children will also not feel stigmatized as compared to those who end up in an institution and feel rejected,” she said.
The Adopters for Adoption (AfA) was launched on November 10th, 2018 by a diverse community of families from all over Uganda and around the world who have adopted or are interested in adoption in Uganda. The AFA is made up of families, prospective parents, single parents, and more.
