In Namatala slum when the rains come, children rummage in running water and shallow streams to search for scrap metal which often rises through the mud. It's a relatively safe way for them to earn themselves small amounts of money without being drawn into gambling or theft and the negative effects these would have on their young lives.
It usually means searching around rubbish pits and motor vehicle garages for scrap metals they can sell to local dealers. They can earn between 1,200 and 1,500 Ugandan shillings (24p–31p) per kilogram of these scrap items. In the main they use this pocket money to buy snacks that most of their parents cannot afford to buy for them. Occasionally they may buy soap or clothing.
It usually means searching around rubbish pits and motor vehicle garages for scrap metals they can sell to local dealers. They can earn between 1,200 and 1,500 Ugandan shillings (24p–31p) per kilogram of these scrap items. In the main they use this pocket money to buy snacks that most of their parents cannot afford to buy for them. Occasionally they may buy soap or clothing.
