crime 16 March 2026 The Observer (Uganda)
More Than 40 Arrested in Mayuge for Hiring Schoolchildren on Sugarcane Farms
Over 40 individuals, including parents and farm owners, have been detained in Mayuge district for employing minors on sugarcane plantations during a targeted operation against child labor. More than 120 children have been returned to school as part of the initiative to boost attendance. Source: https://observer.ug/news/over-40-arrested-for-employing-minors-on-sugarcane-plantations-in-mayuge
Authorities in Mayuge district recently launched a week-long crackdown, leading to the arrest of over 40 people accused of putting school-aged children to work on sugarcane fields. The operation, supported by local vigilantes who shared tips on offending sites, focused on halting child labor and encouraging better school turnout.
The detainees, primarily parents and plantation managers, are currently at Mayuge Central Police Station awaiting charges related to child employment violations. Children involved reported working long hours after partial school days to earn modest wages, such as Shs 5,000 or Shs 11,000 daily, to support struggling families—covering needs like food, fees, and sibling care after absent fathers.
One Primary Five student described attending classes for half-days before evening farm shifts to help his mother and five siblings. Another Primary Seven pupil attends school just three days weekly, using earnings from weeding, planting, and harvesting sugarcane for family basics.
District Resident Commissioner Ramadan Walugembe highlighted that over 120 children have already been reintegrated into primary schools district-wide, signaling a strong push to eradicate child labor and enhance education access.
Source: The Observer (Uganda)