Public Cautioned Against Employing Underage Maids to Curb Child Labor and Rights Violation

Suzan Ngolobe, the head of the Child and Family Affairs Unit at Ntinda Police Station, recently cautioned the public against hiring young maids, emphasizing the need to end child labor and uphold children’s rights.

Addressing the media on Wednesday, November 22, 2023, during the 16 days of activism against gender-based violence (GBV) in Kampala, Ngolobe revealed ongoing efforts to identify individuals employing underage maids. She expressed concern about the vulnerabilities of these young workers and the potential harm they face.

Former Ethics Minister Miria Matembe acknowledged the challenges in implementing existing policies, stressing the importance of collaboration with authorities to ensure that both culprits and parents of the victims face legal consequences. Matembe highlighted the significant impact on the future of these young workers, citing injuries resulting from heavy duties.

Alizabeth Ampairwe, the director of programmes at the Forum for Women in Democracy, urged the Ministry of Gender, Labour, and Social Development to prioritize increasing staff in community-based services departments at the local government level. This, she believes, will help reduce negative practices associated with the employment of underage maids.