KAMPALA|The Ugandan government through the ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development has reaffirmed its commitment to eliminating child labour by 2040, as the country gears up for tomorrow’s World Day Against Child Labour under the theme ‘Let us Act on our Commitments: End Child Labour!’
Hon. Balaam Barugahara Ateenyi, the Minister of State for Gender, Labour and Social Development, in charge of Children and Youth Affairs disclosed that the day brings to focus the global extent of Child Labour and the action and efforts needed to eliminate it. “The day is also intended to serve as a catalyst for the growing worldwide movement against Child Labour.” Said Balaam
He also emphasized the need for collective efforts to end child labour across the country.
“We recognize that child labour is a major obstacle to achieving our vision 2040, and we are committed to ensuring that all children are free from child labour and able to attend school,” said Hon. Ateenyi.
“The theme ‘Let us Act on our Commitments: End Child Labour!’ is a reminder to all of us to prioritize the abolition of child labour, which is a cornerstone of social justice,” he added.
According to the Minister, child labour remains a significant challenge in Uganda, with 36% of children aged 5-17 years engaged in child labour, an increase from 21% before the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Child labour perpetuates a cycle of poverty and exposes children to harmful practices like drug abuse. We must join forces to make the elimination of child labour a reality,” Hon. Ateenyi urged.
The government has implemented various interventions to eradicate child labour, including policy and legal frameworks, universal free primary education, wealth creation programmes, and labour inspection and enforcement of labour standards.
“We are committed to ensuring that all children are able to attend school and receive quality education, and that no child is left behind,” Hon. Ateenyi assured.
The Minister appealed to the media to advocate against child labour, emphasizing that it is a collective responsibility to end the vice.
“Let us work together to ensure that every child is able to reach their full potential and contribute to the development of our country,” Hon. Ateenyi concluded.
