Iganga, Uganda: At least eleven children from two families in Iganga District have failed to return to school for the second term due to a lack of scholastic materials and school feeding fees, leaving two struggling caregivers appealing for urgent support.
The affected children, all enrolled in government primary schools, remain at home while their classmates continue with lessons, raising fears that prolonged absence could affect their academic performance and future opportunities.
One of the caregivers, Scovia Kagoya, 36, a widow from Nakalama Village in Nakalama Sub-county, is raising seven children following the death of her husband, Emmanuel Ngobi, a boda boda rider, two years ago.
Kagoya said five of her children are of school-going age but have not reported back to school since the term began because she cannot afford basic learning materials.
“My husband Emmanuel Ngobi was a boda boda rider. He died mysteriously two years ago and left me with no job. Since then, I have been struggling to survive. I cannot even afford five dozen books, pens and pencils for my children,” Kagoya said.
Kagoya appealed to political leaders, non-governmental organisations and well-wishers to support her family so the children can resume their education. “I appeal to leaders and sympathizers to come to our rescue so my children can resume education for a brighter future,” she added.
In neighbouring Bukaye Village, 71-year-old Edith Babindetera is facing a similar challenge as she struggles to raise six grandchildren after her son, Mubarack Kimugemye, lost his sight three years ago while working in a garden.
Babindetera said her son’s wife later left the family, leaving her solely responsible for the children’s welfare.
“All the children are enrolled at Bubogo Primary School, a government school, but we need six dozen books, pens and Shs300,000 for school feeding and other necessities. I am begging sympathizers to help so they can go back to class and have a future,” she said.
The two women say the children are eager to continue with their education but are increasingly discouraged by each passing day spent away from school.
Local leaders say the situation reflects a wider challenge affecting many vulnerable households in Iganga District, where families continue to struggle with the cost of scholastic materials, uniforms and feeding requirements despite the availability of free education under the Universal Primary Education (UPE) programme.
Education stakeholders have repeatedly warned that hidden costs associated with schooling remain a major barrier to education for children from disadvantaged families.
The caregivers are now appealing for assistance in the form of exercise books, pens, pencils and financial support for school feeding to enable the children to return to class.
For well-wishers willing to support the families, they can be reached through 0785 379 801.
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