Kamuli, Uganda: Authorities in Kamuli District have launched a new two-year project aimed at ending child labour and child marriage, a growing concern that continues to affect vulnerable children in the region.
The initiative, spearheaded by HUYSLINCI Community Initiative, officially kicked off in Balawoli Sub-county and seeks to strengthen community action against various forms of child abuse, including child neglect, forced labour, and early marriages.
Speaking during a stakeholders’ meeting held at the Kamuli District Headquarters, Mr. Matovu Moses, Executive Director of HUYSLINCI, said the rising cases of child abuse inspired the organisation to intervene and support local structures in combating the problem.
“We are targeting neglected children who are forced into child labour and early marriages,” Matovu said. “In Kamuli, issues of child abuse are many; that is why our focus is here.”
Matovu added that the organisation’s decision to begin in Kamuli was also influenced by the district’s connection to Rev. Fr. Waynand Huys, the founding partner of HUYSLINCI, whose legacy of helping disadvantaged children continues to inspire their work.
“We chose Kamuli because of the history of our founding partner, Rev. Fr. Waynand Huys, who helped some of us when we were children. We are continuing his legacy by supporting needy children,” Matovu explained.
Bishop Noah Malira, the Bishop of Born Again Churches in Kamuli District, welcomed the project and urged parents to take full responsibility for their children’s education and welfare. “It is a good initiative, but every parent has a responsibility to keep their children in school. We embrace the project, but let us all play our part,” he said.
Representing the district, Councillor Nabulo Mercy, the Female Representative of Kasambira Town Council, commended HUYSLINCI for the intervention and called for the project’s expansion across the district.
“Child abuse cases in Kamuli are high. This project is timely, but we want it extended to all sub-counties so that no child is left behind,” Nabulo said.
The project is expected to work closely with local leaders, schools, and faith-based organisations to create safer environments for children and promote education as a pathway out of poverty and exploitation.
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