Authorities in Iganga, Bugiri Raise Alarm Over Rising Child Labour Cases

Authorities in Iganga and Bugiri districts have raised concerns over the increasing number of school dropouts due to child labour.

Two weeks into the new school term, many pupils and students are still absent, instead engaging in various forms of child labour, particularly selling food items and working on sugarcane plantations.

Iganga Resident District Commissioner (RDC) Hajji Sadala Wandera described child labour as a major challenge in the area, with many learners abandoning school to work.

“The most rampant cases include sugarcane cutting and selling food items in Iganga Municipality and other towns,” Wandera said.

He, alongside the district inspector of schools, warned that authorities would launch an operation to arrest those exploiting children for labour, including parents who fail to ensure their children’s right to education.

“We cannot sit back and watch children’s rights being violated, destroying their future. Anyone found using children for labour should surrender them immediately or face the law,” Wandera warned.

Widespread Child Labour in Rural Areas

The Iganga District Inspector of Schools, Joseph Waibi, expressed shock at the large number of learners, particularly in rural areas, who have not yet reported to school. He identified Nakigo and Nawandala sub-counties as the most affected, with many children engaged in sugarcane cutting.

Similarly, Bugiri District LC5 Chairperson Davidson Kassaijja Mulumba echoed the same concerns, stating that child labour cases are overwhelming the district and pushing children out of school.

“In addition to existing laws, we have passed a child protection ordinance, which is awaiting approval from the Attorney General. It contains harsh penalties for those exploiting children,” Mulumba said.

Child rights activist Jalia Tibikoma highlighted gold mining as another major sector where children are being exploited in Bugiri. She added that the establishment of a sugar factory in the area has led to more children engaging in sugarcane cutting, making it difficult for them to return to school.

Parents Blamed for Rising Child Labour Cases

Iganga District Labour Officer Abubacker Waiswa attributed the increasing cases of child labour to irresponsible parenting.

He noted that some parents deliberately send their children to work to help meet family financial needs instead of ensuring they receive an education.

NGO Intervention to Curb Child Labour

To combat the rising school dropout rates, the Straight Talk Foundation, an NGO, has initiated a program aimed at engaging students in group businesses and agricultural activities to help them raise school requirements without dropping out.

Project coordinator Luke Tumwesigye said the initiative, under the Sexual Reproductive Health Rights Strategies for Universal Health Coverage in Africa program, also aims to educate children on their sexual rights and prevent early pregnancies.

“We chose Iganga and Bugiri because they are among the most vulnerable districts in the Busoga region. We believe this initiative will help reduce school dropouts and early pregnancies,” Tumwesigye said while unveiling the four-year program.

Iganga District Vice Chairperson Halid Mukacha welcomed the initiative, noting that many students drop out due to a lack of school supplies, while girls often fall victim to early pregnancies due to peer pressure and ignorance.

Marget Kiiza, a teenager benefiting from the program, shared her experience, revealing that she dropped out in Senior Three due to a lack of scholastic materials.

However, through the initiative, she has started earning money from a shoe-selling business under the Nyikira Okore Straight Talk Club-Nabitende, giving her hope of resuming school this term.

Authorities continue to call for stronger enforcement of child labour laws and greater community involvement to ensure every child has access to education and a better future.