education 16 April 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
Education Ministry Warns of Child Nurturing Crisis in Ugandan Homes
Uganda's Education Ministry highlights how absent or abusive parents are turning homes into unsafe environments, damaging children's futures through rejection, harsh treatment, and neglect. Officials urge faith, moral upbringing, and better parenting amid declining child neglect cases. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/children-facing-nurturing-dilemma-in-homes-education-ministry--5425932
Ms. Irene Kauma, Principal Private Secretary to the Minister of Education and Sports, addressed a gathering at Kinoni Girls Secondary School in Rwampara District, stating that many Ugandan homes have become hostile spaces for children.
She pointed out issues like parental absence, rejection, verbal abuse, sexual molestation, and abandonment, which erode children’s sense of security and lead to low self-esteem, fear, and identity struggles.
Kauma encouraged young girls to trust in God for guidance, sharing her own story of overcoming tough home circumstances through faith. She called on parents to nurture children with love, patience, kindness, and honesty, while advising youth to prioritize sexual purity, hard work, and wise relationships.
Rwampara MP Amos Kankunda praised the school for fostering moral values amid parental neglect, emphasizing the need for family-focused child development. Ankole Diocesan Secretary Rev. Canon Edson Abaasa noted that institutions like Kinoni are filling parenting gaps, but stressed parents’ primary role in providing love and support.
School headmistress Grace Ndagire Tweheyo celebrated growth from 272 to 578 students in five years, crediting stakeholders including the Ankole Diocese and community for academic and infrastructural progress.
Official data supports the concerns: Uganda Police and Ministry of Gender reports show child-related offenses fell 14.3% from 2024 to 2025, with neglect cases dropping sharply from 6,505 in 2022 to 3,023 in 2025, often linked to unmet basic needs.
Source: Daily Monitor (Uganda)