education 5 October 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
Hunger Hindering Education in Budaka Schools, Officials Warn
Education officials in Budaka District are raising alarms about the detrimental impact of student hunger on learning outcomes. Many parents are reportedly failing to provide lunches for their children attending school, leading to decreased concentration and poor academic performance. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/hunger-crippling-learning-in-budaka-schools-5620274
Budaka District Education Officer, Ms. Khanifa Mugala, has issued a stern warning regarding the critical issue of students attending school without lunch. She highlighted that this practice significantly hampers learners’ ability to concentrate and perform well in their studies.
During a recent PTA meeting at Kamonkoli Seed Secondary School, Ms. Mugala emphasized parents’ responsibility to provide essential meals for their children during school hours. She noted that a persistent failure to meet this basic need is a major concern and directly contributes to the observed poor academic results in the district.
“This can leave learners weak, distracted, and less able to follow lessons,” Ms. Mugala stated, underscoring the immediate consequences of hunger on a student’s capacity to learn. She also urged parents to foster respect for teachers, suggesting that a lack of parental respect can negatively influence children’s behavior.
School administrators are facing significant challenges. The headteacher of Kamonkoli Seed Secondary School, Mr. Martin Luther Ochan, revealed that a proposed Shs50,000 feeding contribution was only paid by a small fraction of the student body. He also pointed out issues with teacher shortages, with the school struggling to manage a large student enrollment with limited government-funded staff. The school has resorted to hiring PTA teachers, but financial constraints have led to layoffs, further burdening the existing educators.
Beyond hunger and staffing, the school grapples with insufficient water supply, inadequate classroom facilities, and a lack of funds for essential assessments. Local leaders, including Education Secretary Mr. Stephen Bumba and LC5 Chairperson Mr. Anthony Kateu, have appealed to parents to prioritize investing in their children’s education through these necessary contributions, rather than solely relying on government support.
Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/hunger-crippling-learning-in-budaka-schools-5620274