Kampala
The Government of Uganda has reaffirmed its commitment to tackling child labour as new figures reveal a sharp increase in cases. In a press briefing ahead of the World Day Against Child Labour, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Gender, Labour, and Social Development (MGLSD), Aggrey Kibenge, emphasized the urgent need for accelerated action.
This year’s commemoration, themed “End Child Labour: Let Us Speed Up Action,” will take place on June 12 at the Golden Tulip Hotel in Kampala. The event comes at a critical time, with child labour cases having risen from 4 million in 2020 to 6.2 million in 2024,disproportionately affecting boys, especially in rural areas.
In response, the Ministry of Finance has allocated Uganda shillings 2 billion in the upcoming national budget to support efforts aimed at ending child labour. This funding will facilitate stronger enforcement mechanisms, community-based interventions, and initiatives designed to restore childhoods for millions of affected children.
Government officials, child rights activists, and other stakeholders are expected to discuss strategies to curb the worsening crisis. “These numbers are not just statistics; they represent real lives,” Kibenge stated. “Every child deserves the right to education, play, and a safe childhood.”
The rise in child labour cases highlights underlying socioeconomic challenges, including poverty, lack of access to education, and weak enforcement of labour laws. Experts argue that more collaborative efforts between the government, civil society, and international organizations are necessary to bring sustainable change.
With the theme urging immediate action, this year’s World Day Against Child Labour serves as a crucial turning point in Uganda’s ongoing fight to protect its youngest citizens. Stakeholders remain optimistic that enhanced policies and financial backing will lead to meaningful progress in the battle against child exploitation.
