Save the Children signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Uganda Chamber of Energy and Minerals in order to strengthen child protection within Uganda’s fast-growing mineral sector. The signing took place in October during the 14th Annual Mineral Wealth Conference held at Serena Kampala.
The partnership is rooted in Save the Children Uganda’s work to end child labour in mining areas, where children are exposed to hazardous conditions, exploitation and disrupted education. The MOU created a formal platform for Save the Children and the Chamber to collaborate on promoting responsible mining practices, child-centred community engagement, and private-sector accountability.
This collaboration builds on evidence and success from our recently concluded Work: No Child’s Business project in Karamoja, funded by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Netherlands. The project demonstrated what is possible when communities, local governments, and development partners work together to protect children. Through this initiative:
Over 9000 children were removed from mining sites and enrolled back into school, giving them a safe and meaningful pathway to learning.
Parents and caregivers were supported with safer, sustainable livelihood options to reduce the economic pressure that drives children into mines.
Child protection committees and district-level coordination structures were strengthened to ensure long-term prevention of child labour.
These achievements underscored the urgent need for deeper engagement with the private sector particularly in mining motivating Save the Children to formalize cooperation with the Chamber to scale change at national level.
In her remarks, the Guest of Honour, Hon. Ruth Nankabirwa Ssentamu, Minister of Energy and Mineral Development, highlighted the country’s mineral wealth and the importance of value addition to create dignified employment opportunities. She also applauded Save the Children’s ongoing work to uphold children’s rights and wellbeing across Uganda.
Save the Children Country Director, Mr. Famari Barro, emphasised,
No child should ever be exposed to harm in mining environments and commended the Government of Uganda for budgeting specifically towards ending child labour. He called for stronger collaboration with private-sector players to ensure that mineral sector growth does not compromise children’s rights.
Mr. Aggrey Ashaba, Chairman of the Uganda Chamber of Mines and Mineral Development, echoed the importance of strategic partnerships, noting that value addition and responsible practices are key for Uganda to fully benefit from its mineral resources.
Panel discussions and breakout sessions throughout the conference explored topics including ESG standards, gender inclusion, mineral sector governance, climate opportunities, local content development, and financing models for extractives.
The MOU lays the foundation for a shared agenda between Save the Children and the Chamber one that champions safer communities, ethical business practices, and a future where no child in Uganda is forced to work in mines.
