The Government of Uganda has renewed its commitment to ending child labour as the country joins the rest of the world in commemorating the World Day Against Child Labour tomorrow.

Speaking ahead of the national celebrations in Mayuge District, the Minister of State for Labour, Employment and Industrial Relations, Hon. Simon Mulongo, called for collective action to protect children from exploitation and ensure they remain steadfast and reach their full potential.

Uganda will tomorrow join the global community in marking the World Day Against Child Labour at Bugadde Primary School in Bugadde Town Council, Mayuge District, under the theme: "Accelerating Action to End Child Labour: Dignity and Full Potential of Every Child."

Addressing journalists ahead of the commemoration, the Ministerof state for Labour, Employment and Industrial Relations, Hon. Simon Mulongo, said the day provides an opportunity for government, parents, communities and other stakeholders to assess progress made in combating child labour and strengthen efforts to eliminate the practice.

Hon. Mulongo further revealed that government is introducing new electronic and digital systems to track labour migration, particularly among Ugandans seeking employment abroad.

He noted that the Ministry is working closely with labour externalisation companies to ensure the process is transparent, safe and effective.

The Minister emphasized the need to strengthen consular labour services in countries hosting Ugandan workers to monitor their welfare and address the challenges they face while abroad.

On Ugandans stranded in conflict-affected countries, including Russia and other regions experiencing instability, Hon. Mulongo said government is engaging with the respective authorities to establish cordial arrangements that will safeguard the welfare of Ugandan nationals.

According to the 2020 International Labour Organization (ILO) and UNICEF report on child labour, about 160 million children worldwide were engaged in child labour at the beginning of 2020, with nearly half involved in hazardous work that threatened their health, safety and well-being.