Yesterday morning marked an important step in the fight against Sexual Violence Against Children (SVAC) as the Director, AIGP Tom Magambo, held a meeting with a delegation from the Joining Forces Coalition (JFC). The meeting took place as a courtesy call aimed at exploring ways of strengthening cooperation between the police and child-focused organizations. The discussion highlighted the shared commitment to protecting children from abuse and violence.
The delegation was led by Mr. Jeremiah Nyagah, the National Director of World Vision and also the Chairperson of the Joining Forces Coalition. He emphasized the importance of working closely with law enforcement agencies to ensure that cases of sexual violence against children are prevented, reported early, and handled effectively. The meeting created a platform for open dialogue on challenges and solutions.
Joining Forces Coalition is a partnership of several international and local organizations working together to promote child protection. The coalition brings together World Vision, Save the Children, Plan International, ChildFund, and War Child. These organizations are actively involved in initiatives that focus on preventing sexual violence, supporting survivors, and strengthening child protection systems across the country.
During the meeting, the delegation shared their experiences from the field, including the realities faced by children who are victims of sexual abuse. They highlighted the need for community awareness, strong reporting mechanisms, and child-friendly justice processes. The team stressed that many cases go unreported due to fear, stigma, and lack of trust in systems.
AIGP Tom Magambo welcomed the delegation and appreciated the work done by the coalition in protecting vulnerable children. He reaffirmed the police force’s commitment to fighting sexual violence and ensuring justice for child victims. He noted that collaboration with civil society organizations is crucial in addressing crimes that affect children.
The Director also emphasized the importance of training police officers to handle child-related cases with care, professionalism, and sensitivity. He pointed out that children who experience sexual violence need protection, counseling, and justice, not intimidation. Strengthening cooperation with NGOs can help improve investigations and survivor support.
Both sides agreed on the need to strengthen information sharing, joint community outreach, and capacity building. They discussed possible joint programs aimed at prevention, awareness, and faster response to cases of sexual violence against children. The meeting reflected a shared understanding that protecting children is a collective responsibility.
The engagement ended on a positive note, with both the police leadership and the Joining Forces Coalition expressing commitment to continued collaboration. The meeting sent a strong message that government institutions and child-focused organizations can work together to create a safer environment where children are protected, heard, and supported.
