Impact of domestic child labour on the lives of children in Kira Division, Wakiso District, Uganda

Abstract

The main purpose of this study was to examine the impact of domestic child labour on the lives of children in kira division Wakiso district. The objectives of the study were: to examine the factors that influence children into seeking domestic work, to examine the challenges faced by domestic child workers, to examine the impact of domestic child labour on the lives of domestic child workers and to recommend strategies necessary to reduce domestic child labour in Wakiso District. The study employed a cross-sectional research design with a mixed approach of both quantitative and qualitative methods of data collection and management. A structured questionnaire, in-depth interview guide and observation checklist were used to collect data. The study enlisted 138 respondents, which included children working in homes, parents, human rights activists and community leaders. Simple random sampling was used to select the children, while purposive sampling was used to select the community leaders, parents and human rights activists for qualitative data. The study found out that the major causes of domestic child labour were poverty, low levels of education, loss of parents, influence from parents, family characteristics among others. The study further found out that domestic child labour has a negative impact on the lives of domestic child workers. Domestic child labour affects the health of the child worker, education attainment, performance levels and behaviour of child workers. The study concluded that domestic child labour is rampant in Wakiso district and it has negative effects on the lives of children. Domestic child labour affects the health of the child worker, education performance and their general wellbeing. The study has made several recommendations and main one being economic empowerment, which is appropriate for addressing child poverty which is the main cause of domestic child labour. Other recommendations include, reduction of domestic child labour, child education, improving the living conditions of parents, awareness about the dangers of domestic child labour and reinforcement of child laws.