BY JOACKIM KULE
Local leaders in Kasese Municipality are concerned about the increasing number of children moving on streets while vending foodstuffs in the urban centre.
Mr. Samson Mumbere Mutahunga, the Local Council Chairperson for Mumbuzi Cell in Nyamwamba Division says he becomes disturbed when he sees children of school going age moving along the streets while vending foodstuffs.
He is skeptical that such children might be lured by their peers already living on streets and thus turn into street kids who destabilize peace through stealing and waylaying people’s property.
Mr. John Kisembo Siriwayo, the Kasese Municipal Councilor representing the Railway Ward in the Central Division describes the act as child labor.
Child labor is the exploitation of children through any form of work that interferes with their ability to attend regular school, or is mentally, physically, socially and morally harmful.
Siriwayo notes that such exploitation is prohibited by legislation worldwide.
ASP Jane Ngelese, who heads the Child and Family Protection Unit at Kasese Police Division in the Rwenzori East Policing Region, condemns the vice, noting that it is against the law.
According to her, reports in her office indicate that at least 50% of the children aged 9-12 are facing child neglect.
She warns that the law would work against whoever would be involved in the act of employing children to work at their firms, homes and bars as maids.
ENDS