Boys attending public schools in Mukono District are expressing their need for assistance from both parents and the government to help them succeed in the future.
During a recent training session focused on uplifting boys, organized by the Rotary Club of Kampala West and the Rotary Club of Mukono Central, students at Namakwa Primary and Secondary Schools in Nakisunga Sub-county voiced their concerns.
James Kibirango, the head prefect of Namakwa SSS, highlighted the fact that many boys have dropped out of school due to a lack of parental and community guidance. He emphasized that parents often prioritize advising and supporting girls while neglecting the needs of boys. This neglect has resulted in issues such as crime, drug addiction, and the spread of sexually transmitted diseases.
Catherine Namuma from the Rotary Club of Mukono Central pointed out an existing disparity in government policies and programs, which have had a more positive impact on girls compared to boys. She also mentioned an imbalance in education scholarships, bursaries, and judicial services.
Anthony Ogalo, a project director at the Rotary Club of Kampala West, expressed the club’s commitment to empowering boys, similar to efforts made for the girl-child. He highlighted the negative behaviors exhibited by boys as a consequence of neglect.
Ogalo also noted that while the government previously lacked a deliberate policy on empowering boys, nurturing programs are necessary because boys are often overlooked by the community and parents. Contrary to common belief, they cannot always fend for themselves and plan their own futures.
Statistics gathered in 2022 from various remand homes across the country highlighted concerning trends among boys. For instance, more than 80 percent of the male population at the National Referral Mental Hospital Butabika was observed in these cases.
