Rukungiri District Launches Coffee Supply Chain Program to End Child Labour

Rukungiri: Rukungiri District has officially launched the Elimination of Child Labour in the Coffee Supply Chain program, with Rukungiri Municipal Council playing an active role through its Community Development Department.

The event took place on August 29, at the Rukungiri District Council Hall and brought together key district stakeholders and technical teams.

The program is spearheaded by the Elimination of Child Labour in Agriculture (ECLA), led by Executive Director Edie Wambewo, in partnership with implementing agencies such as Tuton. It will cover sub-counties including Buyanja, Kebisoni, Nyakishenyi, Nyarushanje, Buhunga, Bwambara, Bugangari, and Ruhinda.

Representing the Municipality,  Twesigomwe Johnbosco, the Principal Community Development Officer, reaffirmed the council’s commitment to the fight against child labour. He emphasized the need for grassroots sensitization and stronger enforcement of by-laws to protect vulnerable children.

Executive Director Wambewo highlighted the forms of hazardous child labour affecting children in the region, such as handling chemicals without protection, underage domestic work, early marriages, and unsafe sanitation activities. He pointed out root causes including food insecurity, domestic violence, and harsh disciplinary practices.

The program’s approach combines awareness creation, advocacy, and sharing of best practices while also supporting households in coffee-growing areas to access financial resources, improve income management, and keep children in school.

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Closing the event, Agaba Hillary, the Deputy Chief Administrative Officer, commended all stakeholders for their dedication. He urged collective action to transform the lives of children at risk of exploitation, especially during school holidays.

With strong involvement from Rukungiri Municipality and commitment from district leadership, this initiative marks an important step towards ending child labour and safeguarding the future of children in the coffee sector.