LWF Champions Child Protection Ordinance in Kamuli District

Kamuli District recently enacted a child protection ordinance to combat the region's high rates of child labor, teenage pregnancy, and child exploitation. Spearheaded by the Lutheran World Federation (LWF) through a project aimed at accelerating actions to eliminate child labour practices along the agricultural value chain in Busoga region, funded by the European Union (EU), this landmark ordinance represents a transformative effort to secure a safer future for children in Kamuli.

The ordinance empowers local authorities to protect children, outlining specific responsibilities for parents, community leaders, and institutions to ensure that children have access to education and healthcare. It enforces penalties for child abuse and exploitation, while also establishing child protection committees to drive ongoing support and accountability.

LWF’s role in the ordinance’s creation was central, beginning with a baseline survey in 2023 that revealed 98% of households in Kamuli are involved in child labor. This staggering statistic, along with high teenage pregnancy rates, underscored the urgent need for a robust child protection framework. The survey findings guided consultations, and LWF facilitated meetings with local leaders and stakeholders to draft the ordinance. “Seeing this ordinance come to life is a testament to the power of collective action,” said Ambrose Ogwang the LWF Luuka Sub-Program Manager. “At LWF, we are committed to safeguarding the rights of children to ensure they achieve their full potential in Kamuli and Busoga region in general, and this ordinance is a critical step toward ending child labor and exploitation.”

Kamuli District Chairperson, Maxwell Kuwembula, praised the ordinance as a timely response to persistent child protection issues. “We are deeply affected by the high rates of teenage pregnancies and school dropouts. This ordinance will protect the children of Kamuli and secure a better future for them,” he added.

Through the project, Accelerating Actions to Eliminate Child Labour Practices along the Agricultural Value Chain In Busoga Region, funded by the EU, LWF will also support community sensitization on the ordinance's provisions and monitor compliance to ensure it’s enforced effectively. This ordinance is expected to bring lasting change by reducing child labor, forced marriages, and early pregnancies, aligning with LWF’s mission to advance child protection and social justice.

With this ordinance in place, Kamuli District is one step closer to building a safer, more supportive environment where every child can thrive.