Purpose of this Policy
Tai Expeditions’ Policy Regarding the Protection of Children
International conventions provide for the protection of children from various forms of exploitation, and we ensure that we respect these in our workplace. Because we value children as the future of our country, Tai Expeditions fully commits to protecting them.
Ugandan Law Regarding Employment of Children
Uganda’s Employment Act, 2006 (Part IV, Sections 32–34) and the Children (Amendment) Act, 2016 specify the following:
- No child under 12 years of age may be employed in any business, undertaking, or workplace.
- Children aged 12 to 14 years may only engage in light work under the supervision of an adult (18 years and above), provided that the work is not harmful to their health or development and does not interfere with their schooling.
- Children aged 15 to 17 years may be employed, but only in work that is not hazardous and does not put their wellbeing, education, physical or mental health, or social development at risk. They are limited to a maximum of 7 working hours per day and 35 hours per week, and they may not be employed at night (7 p.m. – 7 a.m.) or for overtime.
- Children under 18 years must never be employed in hazardous work. Hazardous work includes jobs that expose them to dangerous machinery, heavy loads, underground work, or toxic substances.
Furthermore, under the Employment Act, children aged 12 to 17 years may participate in apprenticeships, advertising, artistic, or cultural activities, but only with:
- prior permission from the Labour Commissioner,
- consent from a parent or guardian,
- medical examinations before starting and every six months, and
- employers keeping a formal register with details of the child’s work, school status, and date of birth.
Violations of these provisions are considered criminal offenses and may result in fines or imprisonment for the employer.
Tai Expeditions’ Policy Regarding the Employment of Children
It is the firm policy of Tai Expeditions that we do not employ anyone under the age of 12, in line with the Uganda Employment Act (2006), under any circumstances.
Furthermore, we do not engage children in cultural performances, entertainment, or similar activities, as this is strictly regulated under Ugandan law.
If Tai Expeditions were to consider engaging young people between the ages of 15 and 17 for practical work experience (for example, as part of tourism training), it would only take place under the following circumstances:
- with the written permission of that individual’s parent or legal guardian;
- it would only be permitted during school holidays so as not to interfere with that child’s education and social development;
- it would only take place where the child is supervised and accompanied by an adult member of our team at all times; and
- it would only involve work that is light, non-hazardous, and appropriate for their age, in line with Ugandan child labour laws.
Tai Expeditions’ Policy Regarding Protecting Children from Sexual Exploitation
At Tai Expeditions, we are fully committed to protecting children from all forms of abuse and exploitation, in line with the Ugandan Children (Amendment) Act, 2016, the Employment Act, 2006, and Uganda’s obligations under the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child.
As a tour operator, we recognize the risks of child sexual exploitation in travel and tourism. We are supportive of international child protection initiatives such as The Code (The Tourism Child Protection Code of Conduct, www.thecode.org), which mobilize the tourism sector globally to prevent child sex tourism.
We are committed to ensuring that our business operations, staff, and partners do not tolerate or enable sexual exploitation of children in any way. This includes:
- training and sensitizing our staff and guides to recognize, prevent, and report cases of child sexual exploitation;
- refusing to work with suppliers, partners, or service providers who engage in or promote exploitative practices;
- raising awareness among our travellers to discourage child exploitation in all its forms, including child sex tourism; and
- reporting any suspected case of child sexual exploitation to the Uganda Police Child and Family Protection Unit or other relevant authorities.
In addition, sexual harassment is strictly prohibited within Tai Expeditions. This includes any request for sexual favours, unwelcome advances, or behaviour that creates an offensive environment. Examples include but are not limited to:
- unwelcome sexual jokes, language, advances, or propositions;
- written or verbal abuse of a sexual nature, including degrading or vulgar words to describe an individual;
- the display of sexually suggestive objects, pictures, posters, or cartoons;
- unwelcome comments about a person’s body;
- asking questions about sexual conduct;
- unwelcome touching, leering, whistling, brushing against the body, or obscene comments/gestures;
- demanding sexual favours in exchange for favourable treatment, assignments, or promotions.
Traveler Awareness Statement
Tai Expeditions has a zero-tolerance policy toward child exploitation and sexual abuse. We kindly remind our travelers that sexual exploitation of children is a serious crime under Ugandan law and will be reported immediately to the authorities. By choosing to travel with us, you join our commitment to protecting children and promoting responsible tourism.