Education stakeholders in Kiryandongo District are urging the government to empower school-going girls and boys to assertively prevent sexual violence.
They warn that failing to do so will perpetuate high dropout rates, infections, and long-term damage to the population’s future.
Sexual violence in schools is believed to be a silent crisis in Uganda, affecting millions of children.
This violence includes physical punishment, verbal abuse, bullying, and even sexual assault, all of which undermine children’s safety, mental health, and academic performance.
Kiryandongo District Education Officer, Reverend Edward Kirya, reports a high incidence of sexual violence in schools, both in host and refugee communities, stressing that neither schools nor homes are safe for children.
“Sexual violence has been ongoing and remains very common in almost all my schools. Some of these cases are neglected and overlooked. There is a need to do more to address these issues,” Rev. Kirya said.
Geoffrey Nokisepe, the headteacher of Anold Primary School, notes an increase in male teachers sexually harassing girls.
“When a teacher makes sexual advances toward a girl, it affects her, and she may no longer be able to concentrate in class. These incidents are very common, but girls fear speaking out and often end up dropping out. We need to empower them to resist these advances,” he said.
Stakeholders, including parents and leaders, are being criticized for not doing enough to create safe environments for children.
James Muhumuza, the Kiryandongo Settlement Manager for Windle International Uganda, says they have been implementing a campaign to address violence against children in two primary schools, Emertong and Anold Primary Schools.
“With support from Population Council Kenya, we hired consultants and spoke to girls and boys at these two schools. Both boys and girls admitted to experiencing sexual violence but found it difficult to speak out. However, after three months of empowerment, many of them now understand their rights,” he said.
The senior male and female teachers at Emertong Primary and Anold Primary Schools say they are addressing the children’s concerns.
“These concerns arise, and we encourage the girls and boys to always speak to us. They do, and we give them hope. They are not the same as before,” said Johnson Tumwesige, senior male teacher at Emertong Primary.
Emmanuel Turyagyenda, the Kiryandongo Refugee Settlement Commander, says there is a need for the government to develop research-based policies to address the issue.
“We have not paid enough attention to sexual violence in the settlement, but we need policies that address these issues. The laws and regulations must hold accountable those perpetuating this violence,” he said.