The Regional Commissioner for Resident District Commissioners (RDCs) in charge of Eastern Uganda, Rtd Col Dhamuzungu Oguli, has directed RDCs in the Busoga sub-region to arrest sugarcane transporters who employ school children in cutting and loading sugarcane.
Col Dhamuzungu issued the directive during a meeting with RDCs held at Jinja City Hall, where he expressed concern over the growing involvement of school-going children in sugarcane activities, a practice he said is contributing to low school attendance across the region.
According to the regional commissioner, many schools in the Busoga sub-region continue to report poor pupil turnout because several children are allegedly abandoning classes to work in sugarcane fields.
“Child labour is against the laws of the country, yet some transporters in the sugarcane sector continue to employ minors to cut and load sugarcane onto trucks. All those involved should be arrested,” Col Dhamuzungu said.
He warned that the continued exploitation of children undermines government efforts to promote education and safeguard children’s rights.
“Many schools have to date recorded low turn-up of learners because some children are still engaged in sugarcane cutting. This is wrong. RDCs must monitor the situation in schools and communities, and parents who neglect their responsibilities should also face arrest,” he added.
Col Dhamuzungu instructed RDCs to work closely with security agencies, local leaders and community structures to identify and apprehend transporters and other individuals involved in the illegal practice.
He emphasized that anyone found facilitating child labour would face arrest and prosecution.
Beyond the issue of child labour, the regional commissioner also cautioned RDCs against engaging in power struggles with their deputies and assistants, noting that such conflicts undermine effective service delivery.
He encouraged RDCs to embrace teamwork and delegate responsibilities to ensure efficient management of government programs and administrative duties.
“There is a lot of work in the RDC’s office. One person cannot be everywhere — handling the Parish Development Model (PDM), attending security meetings, resolving land disputes and addressing community issues. Senior RDCs must learn to delegate responsibilities to their deputies and assistants,” he said.
Col Dhamuzungu further called on the commissioners to remain united and focused on strengthening law and order while ensuring proper supervision of government initiatives across the Busoga sub-region.
He also applauded RDCs for their role in maintaining security during the recently concluded general election campaigns, noting that their efforts contributed to the ruling National Resistance Movement performing strongly in most parts of the region.
“RDCs worked tirelessly during the campaigns, and this helped the President and the NRM perform strongly in Busoga, except in a few areas such as Mayuge District, Jinja City and Iganga District,” he noted.
The meeting in Jinja was part of Col Dhamuzungu’s regional tour of Eastern Uganda aimed at strengthening coordination among RDCs and improving oversight of government programs.
Similar engagements have already been held with RDCs in the Teso sub-region, Sebei sub-region and Bugisu sub-region before the Busoga meeting.
