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Child labour is a threat to national progress
In districts such as Moroto, Napak, and Kotido in the Karamoja sub-region, many children are involved in cattle herding and mining, often under harsh conditions.
Kevin Mubuuke.
By: Admin ., Journalist @New Vision
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OPINION
By Kevin Mubuuke
Child labour remains a serious concern in Uganda, affecting thousands of children across both rural and urban communities. It refers to work that is harmful, exploitative or interferes with a child’s education and development. In districts such as Moroto, Napak, and Kotido in the Karamoja sub-region, many children are involved in cattle herding and mining, often under harsh conditions.
In the Busoga sub-region, districts like Jinja, Mayuge and Kamuli have children commonly engaged in sugarcane cutting and plantation work. In Kalangala and other fishing communities, children are involved in fishing activities, including night fishing, which exposes them to danger. Across towns like Kampala and Mbale, some children work as domestic help or street vendors, often missing out on school. Poverty, limited awareness and social pressures continue to push families to depend on children’s labour instead of sending them to school.
The consequences of child labour are severe and long-lasting. Children who spend their days working miss out on education, play and proper social development. Many eventually drop out of school because they struggle to keep up with their studies due to fatigue and lack of time. Those working on farms, in mines or at fishing sites face risks, such as physical injuries, emotional exploitation and exposure to harsh weather. These experiences affect their physical and emotional well-being and reduce their chances of building better futures.
At the national level, child labour slows down Uganda’s development. When children are denied education, the country loses future skilled workers, innovators and leaders. This creates a cycle where poverty continues from one generation to another, especially in regions already facing economic hardships. Ensuring that all children are in school is not only about protecting rights but also about building a stronger, more productive nation.
Uganda has made progress in addressing child labour through laws, policies and programmes, such as the Universal Primary Education, which has helped many children access schooling. Government institutions, civil societies and development partners have also carried out awareness campaigns, particularly in high-risk districts, to highlight the dangers of child labour.
However, some challenges persist. There is a need for stronger enforcement of child protection laws, improved quality of education and more support for vulnerable families such that they do not rely on children’s labour. Community leaders must actively monitor and report child labour cases, while parents must prioritise their children’s education and safety.
Uganda joined the rest of the world in marking the World Day Against Child Labour on June 12. This is a call to action for everyone: The Government, leaders, parents and communities must work together to end child labour in all its forms. Children should be encouraged to stay in school and speak up when their rights are violated. Children belong in school and in safe environments, not in harmful work. The future of Uganda depends on how well we protect and invest in our children today. Let us act now to give every child the chance to learn, grow and thrive in the future.
The consequences of child labour are severe and long-lasting. Children who spend their days working miss out on education, play and proper social development. Many eventually drop out of school because they struggle to keep up with their studies due to fatigue and lack of time. Those working on farms, in mines or at fishing sites face risks, such as physical injuries, emotional exploitation and exposure to harsh weather. These experiences affect their physical and emotional well-being and reduce their chances of building better futures.
At the national level, child labour slows down Uganda’s development. When children are denied education, the country loses future skilled workers, innovators and leaders. This creates a cycle where poverty continues from one generation to another, especially in regions already facing economic hardships. Ensuring that all children are in school is not only about protecting rights but also about building a stronger, more productive nation.
Uganda has made progress in addressing child labour through laws, policies and programmes, such as the Universal Primary Education, which has helped many children access schooling. Government institutions, civil societies and development partners have also carried out awareness campaigns, particularly in high-risk districts, to highlight the dangers of child labour.
However, some challenges persist. There is a need for stronger enforcement of child protection laws, improved quality of education and more support for vulnerable families such that they do not rely on children’s labour. Community leaders must actively monitor and report child labour cases, while parents must prioritise their children’s education and safety.
Uganda joined the rest of the world in marking the World Day Against Child Labour on June 12. This is a call to action for everyone: The Government, leaders, parents and communities must work together to end child labour in all its forms. Children should be encouraged to stay in school and speak up when their rights are violated. Children belong in school and in safe environments, not in harmful work. The future of Uganda depends on how well we protect and invest in our children today. Let us act now to give every child the chance to learn, grow and thrive in the future.
The writer is a senior child protection and child rights specialist