Ugandan YouTuber Shalom Kaweesi has opened up about experiencing sexual abuse during childhood, revealing that his maternal aunt was responsible for the abuse while his mother was away.
Kaweesi shared the account during an interview with fellow YouTuber and former television host Flavia Namulindwa, where he reflected on his childhood and the consequences of what he described as parental neglect.
According to Kaweesi, the abuse came to an end after his mother discovered what had been happening and removed her sister from their home.
“The first person who had sexual relations with me was my mother’s sister. Eventually, when my mother got to know about it, she got angry and took her away from our home,” he said.
He added that he believed the abuse could have continued had his mother not found out.
Kaweesi’s account highlights an important child-protection issue: sexual abuse can be perpetrated by people within a child’s own family or trusted circle, making parental awareness, communication and safeguarding particularly important.
Shalom Kaweesi Speaks Out on Boy Child Neglect
Reflecting on his experience, Kaweesi criticised what he sees as a pattern in which some parents concentrate on earning money and providing material comforts while giving their children insufficient time and emotional support.
He also argued that boys can be overlooked when parents focus more attention on their daughters, leaving some children vulnerable to abuse by people entrusted with their care.
“Parents focus on looking for money but neglect their children. You only put all your concentration on the girlchild and ignore the boys. Please give your sons more time,” he said.
Kaweesi also linked his concerns to what he described as children being exposed to homosexuality. However, homosexuality is not caused by sexual abuse or parental neglect. The central safeguarding issue in his account is the risk of children experiencing sexual abuse when adults fail to protect them.
His comments have drawn attention to the importance of recognising boys as potential victims of sexual abuse and ensuring they have access to support without shame or stigma.
His Message to Parents
Kaweesi urged parents to build relationships in which children feel comfortable discussing difficult experiences without fear of punishment, disbelief or embarrassment.
He suggested that having a stronger bond with his mother might have helped him speak up earlier about what was happening.
“If my mother had created that bond between us and encouraged me to be open to her, it wouldn’t have happened,” he said.
His appeal centres on listening to children, making time for meaningful conversations and paying attention to changes in their behaviour or wellbeing.
Child-protection guidance generally encourages parents and caregivers to listen calmly when a child discloses abuse, reassure them that they are not to blame, and seek appropriate professional support.
Kaweesi’s disclosure brings renewed attention to the vulnerability of boys who experience abuse and the responsibility of families and communities to create environments where children can seek help safely.