Caning Persists in Ugandan Schools Despite Legal Ban

Corporal punishment, including caning, remains a prevalent disciplinary method in many Ugandan schools, defying a ban enacted over twenty years ago. The practice persists despite the Ministry of Education’s promotion of positive discipline and Uganda’s international commitments to protect children from violence.

Recent incidents highlight the ongoing issue. In June, three teachers were arrested and later released on bail after allegedly assaulting a Primary Five pupil at Multiple Junior School in Jinja City for poor academic performance. The victim reportedly sustained injuries from beatings by multiple teachers. In a separate case, a Primary Seven candidate at Mwiri Primary School was allegedly beaten by a teacher after being accidentally hit by a stone during play.

Education authorities acknowledge the problem and are intensifying enforcement. Jinja City’s education officer, Mr. Paul Baliraine, stated that inspections have increased, particularly in private schools where most cases are reported. Multiple Junior School, for instance, was found to be operating illegally and received a closure notice. Teachers are being trained on positive discipline, and parents are encouraged to report instances of caning.

Child rights advocates, such as Mr. Paul Batambuze of NEMACY-Ug, emphasize that corporal punishment causes physical and psychological harm, leading to fear, school dropout, and a negative attitude towards learning. He attributes the persistence to weak enforcement, insufficient sensitization, and a mindset among some teachers who were themselves caned as children.

The Uganda National Teachers’ Union (Unatu) points to entrenched school cultures, pressure for academic results, and a lack of awareness about the ban as contributing factors. Unatu General Secretary Filbert Baguma stresses that guidance and counseling are more effective alternatives to caning, urging continuous training and dissemination of positive discipline guidelines.

While legal frameworks such as the Education Act, 2008, and the Children (Amendment) Act, 2016, prohibit corporal punishment, its continued use underscores the need for more robust implementation and a shift in deeply held beliefs about child discipline.

Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/caning-persists-in-schools-despite-ban-5552688