In Uganda, while much progress has been made in empowering the girl child through education and protection programs, a new concern is emerging, the boy child is being left behind. Educationists are warning that the growing neglect of boys could lead to serious social imbalances and undermine years of effort toward equality.
Speaking during the dedication service of 18 Primary Seven Candidates of Peace Day Care, Nursery and Primary School at St. Philip’s Bugongi Estates Church of Uganda in Northern Division, Kabale Municipality on Sunday, the school Director Arthur Ahabwe expressed concern that while campaigns to empower the girl child have yielded remarkable progress, the boy child is increasingly being left behind, socially, academically and morally.
He noted that this neglect is beginning to manifest in higher school dropout rates among boys, low completion levels in secondary and tertiary education, and strained gender relations that could lead to unstable families in the future.
“When we neglect boys, we are creating a future society with broken families and unbalanced responsibilities,” Ahabwe cautioned. “Empowerment should not be selective; both boys and girls need guidance, support, and mentorship to grow into responsible citizens.”
He urged the government to deliberately design interventions that promote the empowerment of the boy child, including mentorship programs and retention campaigns in schools.
Ahabwe also emphasized the need for parents in the Kigezi region to invest more in education, describing it as the only sustainable inheritance amid challenges like land scarcity and fragmentation. He called on parents to serve as role models and instill moral values in their children.
CUE IN AHABWE……ON BOY CHILD……RR/ENG//
Turning to the school’s candidates, Ahabwe encouraged them to remain focused, make effective use of the remaining time, and prepare diligently for the forthcoming Primary Leaving Examinations (PLE).
CUE IN AHABWE…ON PREPARDINESS……RR/ENG//
Rev. Ambrose Sabiti, the Parish Priest of St. Philip’s Bugongi Estates Church of Uganda, asked candidates to stay disciplined, concentrate on their studies, be strong, courageous and put trust in God throughout the examination period.
CUE IN REV SABITI……ON CANDIDATES……RR//
During the service, candidates from University View Primary School and Makanga Primary School were also dedicated to God.
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