Hunger has pushed an increasing number of street children to mining sites in Tapac Sub County, Moroto District, as they struggle to survive. An estimated 30 children, aged between 8 and 15, are now engaged in mining activities during the day before returning to the streets of Losaite, Kosiroi, and Napawacokon trading centers in the evening.
The children are believed to have migrated from various districts in Karamoja and neighboring Kenya. Joseph Longora, the Katikekile Parish Councilor, expressed concern over the rising number of children on the streets, noting that they are increasingly engaging in criminal activities and disturbing local communities.
“Many of these children say they came here looking for survival,” Longora said. “One boy from Nakonyen village told me he turned to street life after his father’s entire herd of cattle was raided by warriors.”
Longora also raised concerns over the children’s involvement in drug abuse, including alcohol consumption and smoking, which he said threatens peace in the area. He urged parents to take responsibility for their children and prevent them from roaming the streets.
Judith Achia, a food vendor in Kosiroi Trading Center, said street children are becoming a security threat, frequently begging for food and sometimes stealing property. “We live in fear because these children are desperate and can do anything to survive,” Achia said.
“They work in the mines all day and return exhausted, yet they have nothing to eat.” Achia noted that the children are being exploited at the mining sites, where they spend long hours in harsh conditions for little pay. “These children are living miserable lives,” she lamented. “They are being overworked and underpaid, which sometimes drives them to steal from us.” She called on authorities to intervene by removing children from the streets and ensuring they receive education.
David Koryang, the LC5 Chairperson of Moroto, attributed the increase in street children to poverty, hunger, and domestic violence. He confirmed that many families have taken their children to mining sites, where they are used for cheap labor. “Children are carrying stones and soil at these sites in exchange for small amounts of money to buy food,” Koryang explained.
“Some struggle to return home and end up sleeping at the mines or in nearby trading centers.” Koryang emphasized the need for urgent action, stating that authorities plan to round up the children and enroll them in school. He also warned that parents who allow their children to loiter on the streets may face arrest.
Additionally, he pointed out that some children had been abandoned by parents from Teso, Sebei, and Bugisu who had come to the mining areas for business but either died or left the region. Of particular concern, Koryang highlighted cases of sexual abuse among street children, with some boys reportedly being exploited by drug abusers.
Mike Longole, the Mt. Moroto Regional Police Spokesperson, confirmed that the issue had been discussed at a management meeting. He said the Mineral Protection Police Department, which oversees mining activities, has been tasked with addressing the situation.
“We are planning an operation to remove all children from the mines,” Longole stated. “Anyone employing minors in these activities should stop immediately or face arrest.”
Joseph Abura, former Bishop of the Church of Uganda Karamoja Diocese, highlighted the harsh realities that Karamoja children endure. He said many children flee to the streets due to neglect and deprivation.
“Karamoja children are often denied basic rights, forcing them to seek a better life elsewhere,” Abura said. “Many are taken to cattle camps, where they go for days without food and sleep in the cold.”
Abura emphasized that child labor is a serious issue requiring urgent intervention. While churches can advocate for change, he argued that law enforcement is necessary to prevent child exploitation in the mining areas. “Education is the only way to rescue these children, but unfortunately, there is little enforcement of education policies,” he noted.
Authorities and community leaders now face mounting pressure to rescue children from exploitation and provide them with proper care and education.