By Emmah Bwayo
MBALE
A recent research report by AfriChild Centre, a child-focused research organization, in collaboration with Terre DesHommies Netherlands (TdH Netherlands), has shed light on the alarming issue of child labour in the Elgon region.
The report reveals that a staggering 48% of children aged 5-17 in Kapchworwa, Sironko, Mbale, and Bududa are employed in various stages of coffee production and the value addition chain.
The findings were presented during a dissemination meeting held today 10th November, 2023 at the prestigious Pretoria Hotel in Mbale city early this week.
Alex Arinaitwe, the research coordinator, shared that a total of 1,871 children from 771 households were involved in the study. Notably, boys accounted for 51% of the child labourers, while girls made up 42%.
Arinaitwe emphasized that the decision for children to engage in such laborious activities is often made by their parents, who also receive a portion of the income generated from their children’s work.
The report identifies poverty as the primary driver of child labour, as well as the demand for cheap labor by coffee farmers and dealers.
Munaaba Isaac Daniel, the program coordinator at TdH Netherlands, highlighted the significance of the research, stating that the Eastern Uganda region has a higher prevalence of child labour compared to the previous study conducted in Western Uganda, which reported a 30% rate.
This follow-up research serves as a wake-up call to address this pressing issue.
Bwayo Emma, the Namisindwa District Male Youth Councilor, acknowledged the findings of the report, condemning child labour as a violation of children’s rights.
He emphasized the importance of considering the vulnerability of households when addressing this issue.
Bwayo says alarming statistics presented in this report call for immediate action from stakeholders to protect the rights and well-being of these vulnerable children.
