The Concept of Child Labour and Its Protection by Child Labour Laws; A Case Study of Kampala District Uganda

ABSTRACT Employment ol' children in the urban informal sector is an enormous problem in many parts of the 11orld. It is estimated that Sub-Saharan Africa follows Asia-Pacific in having the largest number or child workers with 48 million, This study therefore explored from an ethical point of vievv the relationship between child labour and the urban informal sector, as well as its effects on health, saiCty and education or the children involved, The study also sought to critically assess the cJTectiveness or the existing strategies in tackling the causes of child labour and to analyse the ethical challenges or implementing such schemes, and recommend measures to remedy the situation or child labour. The research was conducted in Kampala district and in particular Central and Kawcmpc divisions were chosen to be representative of other small towns as these were cited to have a number of child workers. They were areas of high urban informal activities and thus child labour concentration, Both qualitative and quantitative data techniques of research were used during the study and these included; interviews, questionnaires, photography and observation methods. lnkrviews were held with selected staff from the Uganda Police Force, ivloGLSD. JUl. UNICEF, Save the Children, Invisible Children, Raising Voices (CEDOVlP) and ANPPCAN Uganda Chapter. The information collected was organized according to six chapters in order to make meaningful presentations and discussions, conclusions and recommendations. The research findings collected revealed that child labour is still rampant in the urban inl(lrlnal sector as compared to the rural areas with a magnitude estimated at over 2 million. More girls than boys engaged in work, Significantly, poverty was seen as the main l(tctor accounting fix child labour in Uganda while other factors observed included; weak national laws and domestic violence. It is upon this background that the researcher called on the Government or Uganda, associated NGO's, international organizations and the populace who remain incompatible in goals, to foster a sustainable child labour strategy in the fight against child labour. The government should mainly develop a body of ethical principles against child labour, be politically committed as well as foster the implementation of labour laws and policies.