Teachers under the Uganda National Teachers’ Union (UNATU) have launched a campaign to end School-Related Gender-Based Violence (SRGBV) in schools, particularly practices that target learners.
The initiative, rolled out in Kampala, seeks to curb abuses such as corporal punishment, which some schools continue to administer despite government bans.
Defilement and sexual harassment are also among the vices that affect children, often leading to school dropouts.
According to UNATU General Secretary Filbert Baguma, some schools persist in subjecting learners to corporal punishment, including caning, which violates children’s rights and discourages them from pursuing education.
Union leaders argue that the mistreatment of learners is a key factor behind absenteeism, school dropouts, and the general decline in students’ enthusiasm for learning.
“Many children fear going to school because of the abuse they suffer at the hands of those who should be protecting them” noted Baguma.
The campaign has so far trained close to 200 teachers in Kampala and Metropolitan areas, with plans to expand nationwide. These teachers will serve as ambassadors in their schools and communities, raising awareness and advocating for child-friendly approaches to discipline.
Baguma stressed that addressing school-related violence is not only a matter of law but also a moral responsibility for educators.
“Teachers should be role models, not sources of trauma for learners. By embracing positive discipline, we can create a safe environment where every child thrives,” he added.
The union has pledged to continuously monitor schools and partner with communities to ensure the campaign’s success.
