Child labor has become a pressing issue in Nawampiti Sub County, Luuka district, leading to a rise in illiteracy among children and an increase in crime rates. Recognizing the severity of the problem, the Lutheran World Federation (LWF) has initiated a program to combat child labor in Nawampiti and Bukanga Sub Counties. The program, launched on November 30, 2023, aims to educate local leaders, security officials, civil servants, and child laborers on the dangers of child labor and implement strategies to address the root causes.
Nawampiti Police Station OC IP Babalanda Musitafa expressed gratitude for LWF’s focus on Nawampiti, emphasizing the high number of illiterate children engaged in activities such as sugarcane cutting, contributing to poverty and increased crime. The three-year project aims to form partnerships, educate the community, and reduce child labor in Nawampiti Sub County.
Paul Birinde, Chairman LC III of Nawampiti, thanked LWF for bringing the program to their area and urged residents to actively participate in implementing the initiatives. Betty Tamwizanga, Luuka district labor officer, emphasized the need for community partnership and education to address child labor.
During the meeting, child laborers and leaders shared their views on the factors contributing to the increase in child labor. Concerns were raised about the exploitation of children by sugarcane traders who often hold positions of leadership, ignorance of the law, and parental neglect. The community welcomed LWF’s program as a crucial step in addressing these challenges.
Residents, including Taibu Talugende, Charles Kalende, Patrick Kabali, Peter Muyaka, Eva Namuwaya, and Livingston Bagaga, highlighted various issues such as exploitation by traders, lack of parental guidance, and economic pressures leading children into income-generating activities. They called for focused efforts to educate the community on child labor laws and address the root causes.
In conclusion, Denis Bawule emphasized the importance of collaborative efforts between the community and LWF to effectively combat child labor in Nawampiti Sub County. The program’s success will depend on community involvement, awareness, and a united front against child labor.
