In Luuka district, a growing concern over child labour has prompted students from various schools to join the fight against this pervasive issue. Child labour remains rampant in the district, leading to high dropout rates among children who are forced to work to support themselves and their families. Recognizing the urgency of the situation, the Lutheran World Federation (LWF) in Luuka has launched initiatives to combat child labour, including educational programs aimed at raising awareness among students about its dangers.
Today, on April 5th, 2024, child labour took center stage in a debate among pupils of Namukubembe Primary School in Bukanga Sub County, Luuka district. The students engaged in a passionate discussion, with contrasting views on whether child labour should be tolerated or eradicated in Uganda.
Some argued that child labour should continue, citing the dire economic circumstances faced by many families. According to Kusasira Asha and Biyinzika Patricia, child labour provides essential income for impoverished households, enabling children to support themselves and their families. However, others, including Innocent Wabudu and Charles Kwikiliza, strongly opposed this viewpoint. They emphasized the negative consequences of child labour, such as indiscipline and exposure to criminal activities, which jeopardize children’s futures.
The debate also shed light on the issue of child dropouts, with participants highlighting how child labour contributes to the loss of educational opportunities and bright futures for many children. Nabirye Mariam condemned parental neglect as a root cause of the increasing prevalence of child labour, expressing gratitude to the LWF for its efforts to combat this harmful practice and empower children to build better lives.
Following the debate, Umar Ntogona, spoke to teachers at Namukubembe Primary School to gather their perspectives on child labour. Moses Kawooma, a P.7 Class teacher, commended the LWF for its commitment to fighting child labour, emphasizing the importance of protecting children’s futures and nurturing future leaders for Uganda. Similarly, Naziwa Prossy, a senior woman teacher, emphasized the role of schools in addressing child labour, highlighting the need to provide students with alternatives to exploitative work and ensure their holistic development.
