Students in Uganda face harsh conditions at home and on their way to school, which negatively impact their education. Neglect and harassment, particularly for young girls, are common issues.
KASSANDA – Students across various government schools in districts such as Kassanda, Kyankwanzi, Kiboga, Mubende, and Luwero are enduring harsh conditions both at home and on their journeys to school, which severely impacts their education. Many children report facing neglect from overburdened parents and harassment during their commutes, particularly young girls who endure intimidation from men along the way.
During a recent district education meeting, students highlighted the challenges they face, including long, unsafe walks to school and inadequate home support. Despite government efforts to improve education infrastructure—such as constructing 100 primary schools and 30 seed schools—many students still drop out due to financial hardships and lack of parental encouragement.
The problem extends beyond Kassanda. Students in neighbouring districts like Kyankwanzi and Luwero shared similar stories of boys abandoning school to work and girls facing harassment. "Even when we try to study, the struggles at home and on the road make it hard to focus," one student explained.
Kassanda District education officer Jesca Nsobya Ndagire called on parents and teachers to prioritise children’s well-being: "Improving students' dignity starts with providing necessities—this will motivate them to stay in school." Her deputy, Uthuman Wasswa, emphasised that better welfare for students would lead to improved academic performance.
