By Baraka John
The Minister of Gender, Child, and Social Welfare in Western Equatoria State, Hon. Anigunde Cicilia, has issued a stern warning to parents whose children frequent nightclubs. She highlighted the government’s commitment to safeguarding the youth from harmful influences, stressing that her ministry is ready to take legal action against what she termed as “careless” parenting practices.
Speaking to King Media on Monday, Cicilia underscored the importance of this initiative in tackling concerns such as premature pregnancies among girls and the growing involvement of boys in criminal activities. She emphasized that reducing teenagers’ exposure to negative habits is essential for building a future generation with strong and sound minds.
The Minister announced strict consequences for parents of children found in nightclubs. Instead of being granted bail, such parents will face imprisonment without release options and will be assigned to labor in government-run farmlands. Cicilia stated that this measure is intended to foster parental responsibility while reinforcing accountability within the community.
We had already said during the launching of the customary law that we are going to be very strict this year, and from January onward, anybody who does something against the law, we are putting him to jail, and this year, we want to see a garden of the government, whereby all these people will be taken to. Anigunde warned
This move, Cicilia explained, aligns with recent efforts to establish customary laws that regulate societal behaviors. The regulations, which aim to address issues such as underage drinking, drug use, and public disturbances, are part of a broader effort to ensure the wellbeing and safety of children in the region.