The effects of child labour in the welding industry in Katwe, Uganda Alinde William

Abstract

This study on the child labour in the welding industry in Katwe, Uganda was under taken to analyze effects of child labour in the welding and its probable causes for an insight to legislators and policy makers charged with the duty of passing laws that enhance the protection of children. The research involved quantitative method of data collection; these were questionnaire interview guide and observation. The research selected 30 respondents as the population sample. The study targeted various classes of stakeholders ranging from working children, homesteads and local leaders. The major findings were to find out the effects of child labour in the welding industry and other fields of employment in general and its probable causes. In regard to findings the research found out that orphans and children from poor families are the most involved in child labour to earn bread for their family. Although there are loopholes in a legal mechanism to address child labour, activities have been identified in the proposed strategy including law reforms and training victim support, sustained media campaigns , poverty eradication and education among others. In addition there is need for stake holders to work together through coordinated approach to solve the problem and needs presented by children are multifaceted and thus need a multi-sectoral and participatory approach involving Government, civil society, community and children.