UNATU Launches Nyakitunda Child Labour Social Dialogue Project in Isingiro - UNATU Skip to content Introduction 24th March 2026 | Bishop Labrecque Centre, Isingiro District – The Uganda National Teachers’ Union (UNATU), in partnership with Education International, officially launched the Nyakitunda Child Labour Social Dialogue Project during an inception meeting held on 24th March 2026 at Bishop Labrecque Centre in Isingiro District. The meeting brought together key stakeholders including education leaders, district officials, community representatives, and implementing headteachers, marking the beginning of a coordinated effort to address child labour and strengthen access to education in Nyakitunda Sub-county. The initiative aims to promote social dialogue as a tool for addressing the root causes of child labour while ensuring that every child has the opportunity to access quality education. A Timely Intervention for an Agricultural Community In his welcome remarks, the UNATU Regional Chairperson expressed appreciation to stakeholders for their participation and highlighted the importance of the project in the South Western region. He noted that Isingiro District, being predominantly agricultural, faces unique challenges where activities such as plantation work and cattle rearing often contribute to child labour and school dropouts. He called upon stakeholders to embrace the project and work collectively towards achieving a child labour–free Nyakitunda , emphasizing that sustainable change requires joint effort from all actors within the community. Breaking the Cycle of Child Labour Through Education Delivering remarks, the National Chairperson underscored the strong link between child labour, school dropouts, and persistent poverty. He emphasized that there is now a growing commitment to break this cycle by prioritizing education and building on lessons from similar interventions implemented in regions such as Entebbe, Karamoja, West Nile, and Busoga. He called on all stakeholders to play their respective roles, noting that: Teachers remain at the forefront of ensuring children stay in school Parents must support and prioritize education for their children Community leaders are critical in reinforcing positive practices He concluded by emphasizing that investing in children’s education is essential for building a better Uganda. Strengthening Social Dialogue to Support Teachers and Learners In his official opening remarks, the UNATU General Secretary reiterated that the union’s role in the project is to support teachers and strengthen education systems through social dialogue He explained that UNATU has been actively engaged in addressing child labour as part of broader efforts to promote access to quality education, aligning with national priorities and global education commitments. He described social dialogue as a structured engagement process involving multiple stakeholders: Bipartite dialogue (two parties) Tripartite dialogue (three parties) Expanded dialogue involving multiple stakeholders Despite differing perspectives, he emphasized that the shared interest remains the education and well-being of the child He challenged stakeholders to critically reflect on the issue of child labour, asking, “Who is employing these children?” , and called for collective responsibility in addressing the problem. The General Secretary encouraged participants to fully utilize the two-year project period , noting that Nyakitunda was strategically selected among several areas, presenting an opportunity to achieve meaningful impact. He further emphasized the need for active participation from headteachers, parents, and the wider community in trainings and project activities. He also highlighted the role of Education International as a global federation of teacher unions that supports initiatives aimed at promoting teachers’ rights and quality education worldwide. The project was officially declared open. Project Implementation and Community Engagement The Programme Officer presented an overview of the Nyakitunda Child Labour Social Dialogue Project, outlining its objectives, key activities, and implementation strategy. He noted that UNATU will conduct baseline data collection to assess the current child labour situation within the sub-county, which will inform targeted interventions. Key activities under the project will include: Training of headteachers and educators Engagement with parents and community members Media campaigns to raise awareness Formation of support groups Implementation of SCREAM trainings (Supporting Children’s Rights through Education, the Arts and the Media) He emphasized that stakeholder collaboration and community ownership will be critical to the success of the project. Stakeholder Reflections on Local Challenges During an interactive session facilitated by the District Education Officer, stakeholders shared their perspectives on the realities of child labour in the region. Participants described the project as timely, highlighting several challenges contributing to child labour, including: Poverty, identified as a leading factor Parents delegating children to work Early marriages Polygamy Limited awareness on the importance of education These reflections underscored the need for coordinated efforts that address both economic and social factors influencing child labour. Commitment to Action and Way Forward Stakeholders collectively committed to working with UNATU to ensure the success of the project. Key action points included: Strengthening community sensitization on child rights and education Enhancing collaboration between schools, parents, and local leaders Supporting implementation of project activities at community level Promoting enforcement of by-laws and policies against child labour Establishing local monitoring mechanisms to track school attendance and child welfare Government Support and Community Transformation In his remarks, the Assistant Resident District Commissioner welcomed the project and commended UNATU for supporting government efforts in promoting education and protecting children. He emphasized that the project aligns with national priorities aimed at ensuring children remain in school while adults engage in productive economic activities. He noted that the trainings under the project would be transformative, particularly in promoting: children’s rights awareness mindset change within communities He also highlighted key drivers of school dropout, including poverty, land disputes, domestic violence, and illiteracy among parents. The RDC pledged government support through monitoring, supervision, and enforcement of by-laws and ordinances, and called upon local and religious leaders to actively support the initiative. He expressed confidence that, as demonstrated in regions such as Masaka and West Nile, the project would achieve success in Nyakitunda. A Collective Commitment Against Child Labour The meeting concluded with a symbolic signing of a commitment board , where stakeholders publicly expressed their opposition to child labour and their support for education. This act represented a shared commitment to ensuring that every child in Nyakitunda has the opportunity to learn, grow, and thrive in a safe environment. Conclusion The launch of the Nyakitunda Child Labour Social Dialogue Project marks a significant step in addressing child labour and strengthening access to education in Isingiro District. Through sustained collaboration between UNATU, Education International, government authorities, and community stakeholders, the initiative provides a strong foundation for promoting a child labour–free environment. As implementation begins, continued engagement, collective responsibility, and commitment to education will be essential in ensuring lasting impact for children, teachers, and communities. 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