education 10 August 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
25% of Ugandan Learners Miss School Due to Violence: Expert
A significant portion of Ugandan students, at least 25%, are absenting themselves from school because of violence, including corporal punishment and bullying, according to a Makerere University lecturer. This issue severely impacts academic performance and overall well-being. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/education/at-least-25-of-learners-miss-school-due-to-violence-expert-5552872
Violence remains a pervasive problem within Uganda’s educational institutions, with a staggering one-quarter of students missing school due to various forms of mistreatment. Eddy Joshua Walakira, a professor of Social Work, Children and Youth at Makerere University, highlighted that despite ongoing interventions, violence is deeply entrenched in schools.
Corporal punishment is identified as the most prevalent form of violence, followed closely by emotional abuse and bullying. While sexual violence is less widespread, it disproportionately affects girls, though boys are also victimized. These findings were presented during the National Good School Symposium.
Professor Walakira indicated that teachers, often driven by a relentless pursuit of good grades, are primary perpetrators, alongside peer-to-peer violence. He stressed the urgent need to shift the school culture away from the belief that caning is necessary for academic improvement.
The consequences of this violence extend beyond missed school days, negatively affecting students’ academic progress and personal development. Experts advocate for comprehensive strategies, including sensitizing teachers and learners, implementing accountability measures for perpetrators, and embracing positive discipline techniques.
Addressing the issue, the Minister of State for Primary Education, Ms. Phyllis Chemutai, acknowledged the severity of violence against children in schools, citing recent tragic incidents. She urged educators to uphold their professional code of conduct and focus on teaching rather than perpetrating abuse.
Raising Voices, an organization working to combat violence against children, has distributed “good school” toolkits to thousands of schools, empowering learners to speak out against violence. A UNICEF report corroborates these concerns, indicating high rates of physical violence experienced by children in Uganda.
Officials emphasize that creating a safe and violence-free learning environment is a collective responsibility, requiring intentional effort from all stakeholders, including government bodies, civil society, educators, and parents. The goal is to foster a culture where violence is unequivocally rejected and children can thrive academically and personally.