In a concerted effort to bring an end to child labor in Busoga Sub-region, the Lutheran World Federation (LWF) in Luuka district, in collaboration with their development partner African Women and Youth Action for Development (AWYAD), funded by the European Union, has initiated a project aimed at eliminating child labor practices in Luuka district.
Titled “Accelerating Actions to Eliminate Child Labour Practices in Busoga Sub-region,” the three-year project, spanning from 2023 to 2026, targets three districts in Busoga: Mayuge, Kamuli, and Luuka. The launch ceremony took place at the Hawaii International Hotel in Luuka district, with Nawampiti Sub County being the initial focus.
Ogwang Ambrose, the Sub-program Manager of Lutheran World Federation LWF, emphasized that the project aims to collaborate with districts and communities to reduce child labor, allowing children to focus on their education. He clarified that the objective is not to completely bar children from supporting their families but rather to ensure that their work is age-appropriate and does not hinder their education.
Ambrose Ogwanga stated, “The project will create a lot of awareness among parents and employers, encouraging them to provide work to children that is commensurate with their age and does not interfere with their education. Districts, sub-counties, religious leaders, cultural leaders, media, and police will play a key role in ensuring the success of the project.”
He expressed gratitude to the district’s technical and political staff for their collaboration in addressing this challenge.
Janat Luwano, the Luuka district labor officer, defined child labor as the employment of a child under the age of 18. Luwano highlighted the significance of the LWF project in reducing child labor in Luuka district and called on parents to support the initiative when it reaches their villages.
Richard Promoi, the Deputy Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) of Luuka district, commended LWF for introducing such a crucial program to Luuka, emphasizing its potential to positively impact the community and prevent children from jeopardizing their bright futures in rural areas.
Simon Wakaze, Luuka district chairman and chairman of the Busoga consortium, acknowledged the detrimental impact of child labor on the future of many children in Busoga. He lauded LWF’s initiative, expressing confidence that combating child labor will contribute to the further development of Busoga.
Ronald Bikumbi, Luuka District Speaker, welcomed the introduction of the initiative in Luuka district, pledging the district’s commitment to collaborating with LWF and their partners AWYAD to eradicate child labor in the region.
