By KT Reporters
Police in Nebbi District have attributed the rising cases of child labor to poor parenting and domestic violence. Baifa Wanican, Officer in Charge of the Child and Family Protection Unit, explained that a lack of parental responsibility has left children vulnerable to exploitation.
“Many children are being raised by single parents, often mothers, who struggle to provide for their families. This forces children onto the streets to earn a living,” Wanican said. She also noted that child labor cases often go unreported, as communities dismiss them as minor issues.
The Woman Member of Parliament for Nebbi District, Agnes Acibu, called on sub-county leaders to enforce by-laws against child labor more rigorously. She highlighted how street vending by children—selling boiled eggs, drinks, and chapatis—has led to high school dropout rates.
“Economic hardships compel children to work to meet their family’s needs, trapping them in child labor,” Acibu said, emphasizing the need for community action. Collins Jalacida Oromchan, LC3 Chairperson of Erussi Sub-County, reported progress in tackling child labor since implementing a by-law targeting the issue.
According to him, child labor rates have dropped from 70% to 30%, particularly during coffee harvest seasons, thanks to community sensitization efforts and penalties for offenders. “Previously, children abandoned school for coffee picking and sorting. With the by-law in place, we have sensitized operators and warned of heavy punishments for employing children,” Oromchan said.
Efforts to address the issue involve partnerships between local NGOs, community-based organizations (CBOs), and opinion leaders. Sensitization campaigns, like the slogan “Not Coffee Investment but Studies First,” have been used to mobilize parents to prioritize education over child labor, according to Judith Aboth, Erussi Sub-County Youth Counselor.
However, Paska Kwiocwiny from the district’s Labor Department, highlighted the challenges of identifying and addressing child labor, as the perpetrators are often parents or guardians. “Many cannot distinguish between child labor and permissible child work. This calls for increased community awareness and reporting mechanisms,” Kwiocwiny said.
Despite the challenges, local leaders and stakeholders remain committed to reducing child labor by enforcing laws, advocating for education, and addressing the root causes of economic hardship and domestic instability.
