Translating Uganda’s Child Labour Policy to fight Hazardous Child Labour in Laroo Division of Gulu District.

Abstract

LAGEN MARJORIE JUDITH (2006-03-MA-DL-021)

Translating Uganda’s Child Labour Policy to fight Hazardous Child Labour in Laroo Division of Gulu District

This research was conducted with the primary aim of finding out how the community of Laroo division has translated Uganda’s child labour policy into practice to fight hazardous work in which children are involved. The policy, which was adopted in 2006, emphasises community empowerment in fighting child labour. In order to find out how the community can be empowered to fight hazardous child labour in the division, this research focused on the following key research questions; Who according to the community can be defined as a child? What are the different types of child labour in the division? What are the causes of child labour in the division? What are the consequences of child labour on the children in Laroo division? What are the steps the community suggests in fighting child labour in the division? Qualitative methods of data collection were employed in data collection using semi-structured interview guides. However, a questionnaire was also used to provide more insight into the work status of children involved in child labour, from the perspective of the children and the division leadership. The findings from data analysed show that in Laroo division, there are a number of child labour activities that children are involved in and these include: child prostitution, brick making, selling water, stone quarrying, roadside petty trade, car washing, providing casual labour, and fetching firewood for sale. Both boys and girls are involved in child labour activities but differences emerge in some activities like child prostitution where girls are heavily involved and also brick making where girls fetch the water for sale, while boys engage in the brick making. The major reasons why children are involved in child labour, range from the need to meet food/basic needs, learning the trade, payment of school dues to parental negligence. The suggested recommendations to fight child labour in the division focus on empowering households to generate enough income to sustain themselves through access to micro credit opportunities, and provision of scholarship opportunities for vulnerable children. Key words: Labour, Child