The State Minister for Youth and Children Affairs Florence Nakiwala Kiyingi is to subject seven-year-old rapper Patrick Senyonjo alias Fresh Kid to a drug test.
According to Nakiwala, she is not against the Kid’s talents as per criticisms, but she just wants to make sure that the singer is not exploited or subjected to child labor, for it’s against the Children’s act.
The minister alleges that the government is going to examine Fresh Kid to find out whether he has not been subjected to drugs, or if his brain growth is not being affected by the stress of preparing for music shows.
Nakiwala claims that she appreciates the talent but doesn’t want Fresh Kid to be used in breaking the law, that why she had to step in and provide counseling and guidance to the Kid, because at his age, he is not able to tell what is right or wrong.
And about Fresh Kid’s stage performances, Nakiwala said that he will only be allowed to continue with the performances, if his management and family convince her (Nakiwala) with a proper work plan that indicates the time he spends in school, sleep and attends to music.
But by Law Nakiwala cannot send Fresh Kid to remand homes since he is just seven years old. The law stipulates that only those aged 12 and above be taken to remand homes.
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