June 12 marks the World Day Against Child Labour. In Uganda, the situation remains critical: since 2019, the country has seen an alarming rise in child labour, with an increase of 38%. A phenomenon that worries NGOs and the authorities.
Barely 10 or 12 years old, they are already wielding stones or selling food in the markets. In Uganda, thousands of children are forced to drop out of school to support their families. According to the latest official figures, 41% of school-going children aged between 5 and 17 are involved in work, which is often dangerous. These figures have increased from 38% in 2019.
It jeopardises their overall development and interferes with their access to education. Without basic skills, our children will be condemned to low-paying jobs and dangerous work when they become adults. The children affected by child labour and their families are trapped in a lifelong cycle of poverty.
Aggrey Kibenge, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Gender
According to the latest national household survey, poverty, economic instability and tradition are all factors that drive families to make their children work, particularly in the most vulnerable rural areas. Although Uganda has been committed to a number of action plans with the International Labour Organisation’s Programme for the Elimination of Child Labour (ILO-IPEC) since 2004, it is struggling to curb the phenomenon.
In our work, we need to understand that children have the same rights. Therefore, whatever we do in the different sectors, it is essential to respect the rules of the Federation of Ugandan Employers in terms of social protection and dialogue on the useful work you offer them.
Goldy Oboma, Consultant, Federation of Uganda Employer
To combat this scourge, the Ugandan government has pledged to tighten up the application of labour law and provide better protection for children. But without sustainable support for families and equitable access to education, child labour is likely to continue to grow. In Uganda, as in other parts of the world, the fight against child labour remains a major challenge. According to the UN, nearly 160 million children worldwide are affected.
