Residents of Minana Village in the Mityana District of Uganda are rallying for the government to implement a ban on children under the age of 18 from entering stone quarries after a tragic incident where a quarry wall collapsed. This accident resulted in the deaths of two young siblings, Docus Muwanguzi, seven, and Florence Nakyejwe, six, with another child sustaining injuries. The unfortunate event has highlighted the dangers associated with children working and playing in these hazardous environments.

The collapse occurred in Ttamu Division, where the children had ventured into the quarry, leading to a tragic outcome that has sent shockwaves through the community. Elizabeth Nabbosa, the grandmother of the deceased children, was attending a school meeting when she received the heartbreaking news about the collapse. Her statement underscores the devastating impact of this incident not only on her family but on the entire village, stirring a collective call for action to prevent future tragedies.

Local residents are now calling on the government to enforce stricter regulations regarding child labor and access to hazardous work environments. This tragic incident raises broader issues regarding child safety in Uganda, particularly in rural areas where children are often exposed to dangerous working conditions. Community leaders and advocates are using this incident as a catalyst to push for policy changes that prioritize the safety and well-being of children in their communities.