Minister Balaam Issues Strong Warning Against Exploitation of Minors in Social Media Content
KAMPALA, Uganda – Outgoing Minister of State for Youth and Children Affairs Balaam Barugahara has issued a stern warning to content creators exploiting children on social media platforms, following a formal complaint from a Member of Parliament and child rights advocates.
The complaint, filed by Hon. Betty Namboze Bakireke, MP for Mukono Municipality, together with a group of children’s rights advocates, highlighted growing concerns over the creation of online content using minors without their consent.
In a statement released Thursday, Barugahara said he fully concurs with the observations raised by the concerned leaders and stakeholders. He revealed that he has personally reviewed several video clips, including one involving a content creator known as “Chicken Chicken,” in which a child is allegedly forced to kneel before being given food.
“This is a deeply troubling and unacceptable practice that must cease with immediate effect,” Barugahara stated.
The outgoing minister specifically advised Mr. Chicken Chicken to caution his associates, including individuals such as aunt “Chuni,” to refrain from harassing or exploiting minors. While acknowledging that instilling discipline in children is important, Barugahara emphasized that such actions must never be turned into content for public consumption on social media.
“Using children for content creation against their will amounts to exploitation and is unacceptable,” he warned.
The statement serves as a strong warning to all individuals engaging in such practices on platforms like TikTok to stop immediately.
“Let us not exploit children and minors for views or personal gain. Our responsibility is to protect them, not expose them,” Barugahara said.
He further called for prioritizing child safeguarding, including limiting unnecessary exposure on social media, noting that countries such as the United States, the United Kingdom, and Australia have established legal frameworks that regulate and restrict children’s participation and exposure online.
Those involved in such acts, Barugahara warned, may be in violation of:
· Child protection and safeguarding laws
· Privacy and consent regulations
· Child labor and exploitation laws
· Cyber and online safety regulations
“Let us all act responsibly and uphold the rights and dignity of our children,” he concluded.
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