Situation analySiS

Situation analySiS of Children in uganda 20154.3.5 Disparities due to orphan statusPaying school-related costs proves particularly difficult for children who do not have oneor both parents. As mothers are usually in charge of paying school-related costs (albeitoften from income generated by the father), those children relying on stepmothers reportedconcerns about their stepmothers (or other caregivers) refusing to provide support forschool costs (Pereznieto et al., 2014). In the statistical data (MoGLSD, 2014b) orphan statushas no clear relationship with educational deprivation. Adopted/foster children also havehigher secondary school enrolment rates, possibly because some were taken in specificallyto attend secondary school where none existed in their village. Orphan status does notappear to play an important role in secondary school participation.BOx 4: u-report comments relAtinG to educAtionU-report is a free SMS-based system that allows young Ugandans to speak out onwhat’s happening in communities across the country, and to work together with othercommunity leaders for positive change. the following quotes have been retrieved fromugandan u-reporters relating to various components of education.In Nyakagyeme-Rukungiri, to some extent Universal Primary Education has brought someyoung girls back into primary schools. The same has been done by Universal SecondaryEducation. Churches, market places, mosques, football playgrounds, radios, and TVs alsoincreasingly accessed by some few individuals amidst digital migration.U-reporter, RukungiriSome parents can’t even buy the school requirements required at school despite theintroduction of UPE for primary education – this is especially so due to high levels of poverty.U-reporter, RukungiriIn my community some parents can’t afford to buy exercise books for their children whoare attending UPE today. It is really sad to me because their children are not attending freeprimary education. May the government help such children?U-reporter, OyamThe government should continue with the issue of universal primary education and universalsecondary education in Uganda. It should also promote girls’ education, put law and order andrules against domestic violence and child abuses in the country.U-reporter, PaderLack of Role model(s) is/are affecting my community most. Also most parents are peasantfarmers who can’t afford basic needs & sponsor their children beyond free primary education.The few who join secondary schools always drop out.U-reporter, Nebbi62 thE rIGht to EDUCatIoN aND othEr DEvELoPMENtaL rIGhtS