Gonzaga Kaswarra, an education consultant, says there is an urgent need to examine the underlying factors contributing to the trend and understand why more boys are not attending school or experiencing higher dropout rates. He called for a thorough analysis to address the causes and ensure boys are not left behind.
According to data from the World Bank and UNICEF, approximately 16 percent of children in Uganda—around 2.5 million—live with some form of disability. However, only 5 percent of these children access education through inclusive learning, while 10 percent attend special schools.
Dr. Robin Nandy, UNICEF Representative to Uganda, commended the impressive creativity and innovation displayed by children through their captivating designs and presentations, highlighting the boundless potential within every child. He emphasized that by providing children with the tools and opportunities to explore and develop their talents, and by offering them a platform to share their ideas, we are empowering them to become not only the leaders and innovators of tomorrow but also of today.
The report reveals that “87 percent of students walk between 0 to 3 kilometers, 10 percent walk between 3 to 5 kilometers, and 4 percent commute more than 5 kilometers.” This daily journey has been shown to restrict access to education, especially for children aged 6 to 12, with 5.7 percent of boys and 3.7 percent of girls in this age group struggling to reach school due to distance.
Dr. Jane Egau, the Under Secretary in the Education Ministry, also acknowledged that while there have been ongoing efforts to address the issue over the years, no effective solution has yet been found. She noted that several schools have implemented their initiatives, some of which are unsustainable or exclude certain students.
For the past eight years, Stanbic Bank Uganda has hosted secondary school debate competitions known as the Stanbic National School Championship. The competition aims to identify and promote talent, stimulate innovation, and recognize the best innovative idea with significant business sense and societal impact.
Phrases like "Panda Gari," (board the car) "Kitambuliso yako iko wapi?" (where is your Identity card?)" "Funguwa Mulango" (Open the door) and "towa pesa" (bring money) remain engrained in the minds of those who experienced those difficult times.
Ssekitoleko, now in retirement, shared her insights before the Amanya-Mushega-led education policy review commission on Wednesday drawing from her extensive leadership experience and roles as a diplomat and consultant in diverse countries.
Pulkol, the former director general of the External Security Organisation (ESO), emphasizes that the current enrollment-based funding approach is inadequate for addressing the specific needs of some areas like Karamoja. He proposes a more effective strategy based on the disparity between the national indicators and the existing local indicators.
Dr Yusuf Nsubuga, the former Director of Basic and Secondary Education at the Ministry of Education describes the white paper as a “beautiful piece of art” that was never given chance.
Perusi Namugwere, a P 6 pupil at Kikalu primary school narrates that they neither received the educational materials distributed by the Ministry of Education nor have television at home to follow the lessons conducted on TV.
Besigye said that it is a mistake, first of all, to think that the homeschooling program can yield results in Uganda. He also expressed worry that private schools can be left to 'die' under the guise that government schools will cover the gap.
This week on Wednesday and Thursday, the Alliance for National transformation (ANT) party will conduct presidential flag bearer nominations. Today one of its founder Rtd. Maj. Gen. Gregory Mugisha Muntu talked to Uganda Radio Network in a question and answer interview, highlighting a number of things as he heads into the race for ANT flagbearer ship.
URN caught up with some inspectors of schools on the most common and bizarre forms of cheating in schools they have encountered. Olivia Bulya, the Inspector of Schools in Mukono Municipality, says social media as a vibrant communication channel has been largely used to circulate examination papers and questions across the country to learners.
The ministry faults the schools for using the ‘unreliable tests’, some of which do not conform to the prescribed curriculum to assess learners. According to a circular issued on March 13, 2019, by the Commissioner for Private Schools Ismael Mulindwa, the practice is detrimental to the children’s future.
Tom Wangobi, the Acting Chairperson National Head Teachers Association, says besides remuneration, it would be better if government considers providing housing, subject, hardship allowances and performance bonuses among others.
Nshabwire also revealed that teachers prefer conducting private classes for children whose parents can afford to contribute towards buying set examinations instead of following the routine classroom syllabus.
Kyeizooba Girls Secondary School in Bushenyi district has been closed and over 1000 students sent home after one of their dormitories was burnt down this morning.
