Maria Opolot Aminat
Founder & Team Lead
Our Story
Ikoku was born from a place of deep remorse and a desire to make things right. In 2018, our founder visited Bufulubi Prison, Mayuge District and encountered two boys just 15 and 16 wrongfully imprisoned for months with adults without proper legal support, unable to understand the charges against them and held in conditions no child should ever endure.
At the time, she felt powerless to intervene. That experience became a turning point, a quiet but firm reminder of the responsibility to act, not just observe.
Ikoku emerged from that moment. It is a response to injustice, and a commitment to ensure that no child is left behind in the legal system. Today, we work to bridge the gap between children in conflict with the law and access to justice because every child deserves protection, understanding, and a chance to rebuild.
At the time, she felt powerless to intervene. That experience became a turning point, a quiet but firm reminder of the responsibility to act, not just observe.
Ikoku emerged from that moment. It is a response to injustice, and a commitment to ensure that no child is left behind in the legal system. Today, we work to bridge the gap between children in conflict with the law and access to justice because every child deserves protection, understanding, and a chance to rebuild.
The urgent reality
Making our work necessary
Children in conflict with the law in Uganda are moving through a justice system that is increasingly overstretched and often unable to provide consistent, child-centred support at both entry and exit points.
Recent national data highlights a worsening situation:
The Ministry of Justice and Constitutional Affairs reports that children in remand increased from 1,111 in 2023/24 to
0+
in 2024/2025
0%
of children accused of minor offences
0%
of those accused of more serious offences remain in detention beyond the legal time limits.
The Office of the Prime Minister’s 2024/25 report shows remand homes reached
0%
overcrowding by December 2025
the highest level in five years.
the highest level in five years.
These figures reflect a system where many children spend longer than necessary in detention, often in overcrowded conditions, and without adequate guidance or support during critical stages of their cases. Many enter the system without alternatives being fully explored or without clear explanation of their rights and procedures, leading to confusion, delays, and loss of time in school, family life, and normal development.
The gaps continue after release. Evidence shows that:
Support services are often delivered by short-term volunteers or interns, making them inconsistent and unsustainable.
0%
of remand homes lack counselling or life skills services.
Many facilities operate without trained social workers or psychologists.
This means that many children leave detention still carrying emotional stress, fear, and confusion, but without structured support to help them recover. After release, they often struggle to return to school, reconnect with their families, or find a clear path forward in life.
These realities are connected. Children are not always receiving fair, timely, and child-centred support when they enter the justice system, and they are not consistently supported to heal and rebuild their lives afterwards. This means that while cases may be closed legally, the child’s journey of recovery is often left unfinished.
SUpport ikoku today
This is the reality we have seen
Children entering the justice process already vulnerable, and leaving it even more so.
A system intended to protect them ends up stretching them, breaking them, or simply losing them in its complexity.
This is the problem at the heart of Ikoku.
Our work follows four actions that shape every step we take, help us keep children safe, heard, and ready for a fresh start.
We guide children away from being pushed into the justice system.
Through our Iko-Divert program, we train police officers and local leaders to handle children’s cases in ways that are fair, clear, and appropriate for their age. We show them how to listen to children, understand their situations, use alternatives to arrest, and respond without punishment whenever possible.
We also conduct awareness sessions in schools, teaching children about their rights, the law, and safe ways to resolve conflicts.
We guard children who are already in the justice system, making sure they are treated fairly and their rights are respected.
Through our Iko-Present program, we provide legal support and guidance, helping children understand what is happening, speak up for themselves, and navigate the system with confidence.
We help children grow by giving them the tools and support they need to heal and rebuild after difficult experiences in the justice system.
Through our Iko-Rehab program, children engage in play-based activities that help them process emotions and build resilience, such as interactive games, creative exercises, and teamwork challenges. They also learn practical life skills, from communication and problem-solving to decision-making and personal care, so they gain confidence and can handle challenges in everyday life.
Our approach is hands-on and participatory. Children are encouraged to explore, experiment, and discover their strengths in a safe, supportive environment.
Alongside this, child psychologists provide individual and group counselling, helping children make sense of their experiences, develop positive routines, and prepare for life back in their families and communities.
We help children go back to their families and communities safely, making sure the transition is supported and sustainable. Through our reintegration programs, children reconnect with their families, build positive relationships, and practice the skills they learned in rehabilitation.
We work closely with caregivers, local leaders, and community members to create a safe and understanding environment, so children are not judged or pushed back into conflict. Children are also matched with mentors and peer support networks, giving them guidance, encouragement, and someone to turn to as they adjust to daily life.
Our goal is to ensure that every child leaves the system ready to navigate their community confidently, with the skills, support, and understanding they need to thrive.
MEET THE
The Hearts & Hands Behind Ikoku
Mugabe David Bigirwa
Human Resource ManagerNkinzi Kayla Princess
Volunteer (Chess Coach)Kobusingye Cassie Sandra
Legal OfficerLutaaya Alex
Psychosocial Programs Manager.Musiimenta Desire
Volunteer (Communications)
Looking to support us
