education 15 April 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
Batwa Community in Bundibugyo Battles Stigma for Children's Education
The Batwa in Bundibugyo District face severe stigmatization that keeps many children out of school, but dedicated efforts by local schools, NGOs, and authorities are enrolling and supporting around 47 learners. Initiatives include specialized education programs, infrastructure, and sustainable farming to ensure long-term access. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/how-bundibugyo-s-batwa-are-fighting-for-education-5424074
In Bundibugyo District near the Uganda-DRC border, the Batwa community, evicted from Semuliki National Park in the 1990s, struggles with poverty and exclusion from basic services like education. Traditionally forest dwellers, they now endure discrimination that discourages school attendance.
Only about 47 Batwa children are in primary or secondary school, aided by groups like the Cross-Cultural Foundation of Uganda (CCFU). Our Lady of Annunciation Bugombwa Nursery and Primary School, led by Sr. Juliana Charik, started enrolling Batwa pupils in 2016 after community outreach revealed their isolation.
Initial attempts to integrate them into public schools failed due to bullying and shyness. The school created a safe nursery and primary setup in a church hall, gaining district approval and curriculum support. Partnerships with CCFU built dormitories, classrooms, and cultural clubs preserving Batwa heritage through local-language materials.
Today, 32 Batwa pupils attend primary (with six nearing PLE), and 24 are in secondary levels. CCFU covers fees, supplies, and boarding, while a 3.8-acre cocoa farm aims for self-funding. Uganda Wildlife Authority provides termly transport, and livelihood trainings cover beekeeping, crafts, and more.
Challenges persist: holiday disruptions lead to disengagement, and funding strains teacher payments. Leaders urge government aid for staff and facilities to expand reach.
Batwa cultural leader Geoffrey Nzito notes most children stay home due to costs, but hopes grow for mindset shifts through education.
Source: Daily Monitor (Uganda)