Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to common questions about workers' rights, marriage, divorce, bail, child labour, and more
Child Labour
(12 questions)
A child is any person below the age of 18 years. This definition is established through Uganda's constitution and further reinforced by the Employment Act and the Children's Act.
Child work encompasses light activities done by children within their homes under observation and supervision by their families in an environment free of exploitation. Acceptable activities include cooking, washing, fetching firewood and water, sweeping, laundry, and animal care. However, if the work is excessive and interferes with the child's development then it is child labour.
Child labour is defined in two ways: first, work which by its nature or conditions is hazardous, exploitative and threatens the health, safety, physical growth and mental development of a child; second, the employment of children below 16 years of age in exchange for payment.
Work becomes child exploitation when children work when they are very young, work for too little pay or no pay, or work in hazardous conditions.
The worst forms include: child slavery, debt bondage and serfdom; sale and trafficking of children; use of children in armed conflict; procurement of children for prostitution and pornography; children in fishing activities; commercial sexual exploitation; street work and informal sector activities; construction sites; and agricultural plantations.
Child exploitation is the use of a child by a person for their own advantage at the expense of the child. Uganda's Constitution mandates protection from social and economic exploitation. The Children's Act states no child shall work in activities harmful to their development. Under the Employment Act 2006, children under 12 cannot be employed, children under 14 may only do light work supervised by adults, no child may work between 7 p.m. and 7 a.m., and employers must stop employment if labour officers determine work is hazardous.
Every citizen, including parents, guardians, and community members, has the duty to protect children against any form of abuse. Parents must ensure children do not engage in child labour activities. The constitution requires parents to provide basic education to their children and promote responsible parenthood and proper child development.
Local councils must safeguard and promote child welfare. The secretary has power to mediate or resolve situations where children's rights are abused, ensure child safety and education when parents fail, provide assistance for lost or abandoned children, report and search for their parent or guardian using various methods including mass media, and return children to their homes.
The secretary for children's affairs can file matters with the village executive court regarding abuse of children's rights. The court hears the complaint and can give any relief allowed by law. If the case is against a parent, the committee can order the parent to sign an agreement to provide proper care. A person dissatisfied with the decision can appeal to the family and children court.
Family and children courts are set up in every district and local government unit. Led by a magistrate not below Grade II, these courts handle matters relating to children's welfare, protection, and custody within their jurisdictions.
The court hears criminal cases against children and applications relating to protection and care including child exploitation. The child is questioned informally, not exposed to adversarial procedures, and has the right to representation. The court sits in camera -- only parties involved, their representatives, witnesses, parents, guardians, and probation officers may be present.
Community members must inform local government councils when a child's rights are being violated. When a parent who is able refuses to provide adequate food, housing, clothes, medical care or education, community members should report them. Any person can report any person employing a child in work that is not light work. It is everyone's responsibility to report child labour or exploitation.
