education 28 September 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
Low Learner Turnout Plagues Schools as Third Term Begins Amidst Economic Hardship
Schools across Uganda are reporting significantly low attendance as the third term commences, with educators and local leaders pointing to dwindling household incomes as the primary reason for students' inability to return to school, even with national examinations looming. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/education/third-term-low-turn-out-as-incomes-hold-back-learners-5611710
As Uganda’s third academic term gets underway, a concerning trend of low student attendance is being observed in schools nationwide. This situation is particularly worrying as the period is crucial for candidate classes preparing for their final Uganda National Examinations Board (Uneb) exams, which are scheduled to commence next month. Over 1.6 million candidates are expected to sit for these national assessments.
Education stakeholders and community leaders are expressing grave concerns over the diminished presence of learners in both public and private institutions. They attribute the low turnout directly to the pervasive issue of strained household incomes across various districts.
Many parents are reportedly struggling to meet the financial demands of sending their children back to school, a challenge exacerbated by the current economic climate. The ability to afford school fees, uniforms, and other essential learning materials has become a significant barrier for a substantial number of families.
This widespread economic pressure is impacting the educational trajectory of numerous students, potentially leading to increased dropout rates and long-term consequences for their academic futures. The approaching Uneb examinations underscore the urgency of addressing this crisis to ensure that all eligible candidates have the opportunity to complete their studies and sit for their final papers.
The situation highlights a critical need for interventions to support families facing financial difficulties and to keep students engaged in their education, especially during this pivotal examination period.