education 20 April 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
Corporal Punishment Persists in Ugandan Schools Despite Legal Ban
Although banned by law since 2006 and reinforced by the 2016 Children Amendment Act, corporal punishment continues in Ugandan schools, driven by teachers' mindsets and academic pressures, fueling mental health issues among students. Experts call for positive discipline alternatives and better enforcement to protect learners' well-being. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/education/corporal-punishment-still-thriving-in-schools-5429758
Corporal punishment remains a persistent problem in Ugandan schools, even though it has been illegal for years. The government first banned it in 2006 via a Ministry of Education circular, promoting positive discipline instead. The Children (Amendment) Act of 2016 strengthened this by imposing up to three years in prison or fines on offenders.
Despite these measures, enforcement lags. Yvonne Laruni from Raising Voices notes that beating is the most common form, rooted in teachers’ beliefs that caning is essential for teaching. She links it to academic pressures, where poor grades lead to caning, ignoring underlying issues like stress or playfulness.
‘You get good grades, but at what cost? The cost is so high,’ Laruni warns, highlighting physical and emotional harm. She advocates clear school rules, learner orientation, and alternatives like seat changes for minor infractions.
Frances Atima, Head of the Directorate of Education Standards, calls it a major issue causing injuries and dropouts. She urges support for teachers, many facing their own mental challenges, and prioritizing mental well-being.
Robert Ikwap, Assistant Commissioner for Primary Education, stresses that anxious or stressed children cannot learn effectively. Mary Harriet Ajilong, Commissioner of Counselling and Guidance, points to academic demands as a key mental health trigger.
Experts warn that corporal punishment worsens Uganda’s mental health crisis, where 32% of the population (14 million) suffer disorders, but only 10% get treatment, per 2022 estimates. The Auditor General’s 2025 report highlights underdeveloped services.
Source: Daily Monitor (Uganda)