Thousands of children aged 0–8 remain out of school in Uganda's refugee-hosting districts due to limited early childhood education infrastructure, educationists have warned.
Speaking at the conclusion of a week-long field mission in Kiryandongo, Adjumani, and Yumbe districts, the National Program Coordinator for the UNICEF/UMSC partnership, Muhmood Kateregga Namuguzi, said that of the estimated 71,000 children eligible for early learning, only 26,484 have access to education mostly under tree sheds and makeshift shelters.
The mission, organised by UNICEF in collaboration with the Uganda Muslim Supreme Council (UMSC), sought to assess the need for Early Childhood Care and Education Centers (ECCECs) in the three refugee-hosting Muslim districts.
The delegation included top UNICEF officials such as Daphine Magezi (ECCEC Program), Mystica Acheng (Head of UNICEF Programs in West Nile), Ministry of Education commissioners, and Rufaida Bazibu, Program Administrator at the UMSC focal office.
“We have found an urgent need to expand access to quality early learning. By 2030, at least 30 fully equipped ECCECs must be constructed to meet the growing demand,” Kateregga said.
The delegation was received by local leaders including District Kadhis, Education Officers, refugee camp commandants, and representatives from the Office of the Prime Minister.
In a show of commitment, UMSC district leaders offered land for the construction of centers, and the team inspected proposed sites.
UNICEF pledged to support the initiative with materials such as iron sheets for roofing, teacher training for 128 early childhood educators, learning materials, playground equipment, and technical expertise.
The agency also emphasised the importance of collaboration between religious and local government structures.
In response, local leaders agreed to mobilize their communities and begin preparatory work, including brick-making and pit latrine construction.
Before returning to Kampala, the delegation distributed UNICEF supplies including large tents for temporary classrooms, scholastic materials, and child protection posters.