Children Born Outside Marriage - Who Cares? (Paperback)

Child Protection work exposed the author to problems facing 'Children Born Out side Marriage' CBOM). They suffer specific and unique disadvantages. No single actor is addressing them as a group. At best they are part of all children considered vulnerable in the National Orphans and other Vulnerable Children policy of Uganda. Kaberamaido District of Uganda still operates along very strong customary norms and ties often conflicting with international and national laws. The study revealed that although there is much need, the problems of CBOM are not considered an issue possibly because 'illegitimacy' is not seen as a problem given the patriarchal nature of Ugandan society. Through 19 individual interviews and a village meeting, a wealth of relevant and unique information was gathered. The situation was reported as bad, characterised by discrimination and lack of basic necessities. Many children live with other care givers not their biological parents; who may have their own children to look after and might take precedence. 'Illegitimacy' is not a new phenomenon and could therefore be treated as something requiring durable solutions.