Kampala — TEACHERS who sexually abuse pupils and give them corporal punishments are forcing children out of school, children rights' activists have said.

Speaking at a workshop on Friday, Gary Ovinton, the Education Cluster Coordinator of the United Nations Children's Fund said child labour was persisting in rural schools.

He said the schools have not been relevant to the children's needs.

"The world considers schools as the best option for street children and child labourers.

But in Uganda, especially in the north, schools are where pupils are sexually and physically abused."

He added: "Every week, at least a teacher is arrested for defiling or raping a pupil."

The workshop was organised at Hotel Africana in Kampala in association with the global drive dubbed "Stop child labour and education for all campaign."

About 10 activists from Europe are spearheading the campaign. They are visiting five African countries to raise voices against child labour.

The number of child workers is said to be highest in sub-saharan Africa, where Uganda lies, mainly due to high rates of poverty, HIV/AIDS prevalence, and the poor social attitude to education.

A 2006 report by the International Labour Organisation estimated the number to be over 49 million with children aged between five and 14.

The Uganda Bureau of Statistics, in its publication "Understanding Children's Work 2008," put the number of child labourers at 1.8 million in the country.

Ovinton urged the education ministry to ensure a favourable environment in schools so as to attract children.

The activists hailed Uganda's legislation in accentuating child rights but decried the Government's unwillingness to enforce the law to curb child labour.

John Sali, a legal officer, said the Salama-Mubaraka-Madirisa road in Makindye division was swarming with child prostitutes despite the presence of Kibuye and Katwe Police stations.

"The provisions of the law are enough but the will to enforce it is lacking. The Government must come in," Sali added.