Schools have reopened across Uganda, and rural families are struggling to meet new nutritional expectations proposed by the Minister of Education and Sports, Janet Museveni.
During the Uganda Mothers Union 2024 conference in Luwero, Janet Museveni encouraged parents with their children in Universal Education Schools to always send them to school with at least two eggs and a bottle of milk.
Her goal is to enhance children's health and prevent school dropouts by improving their nutrition.
However, in rural districts like Rubirizi among many others, the economic reality often clashes with these recommendations.
With approximately 27% of the rural population living below the national poverty line, many families find it challenging to cover even basic needs ("Uganda National Household Survey 2022/2023," UBOS). The emphasis on maternal responsibility is met with concern as many parents struggle financially.
"So you can just pack at least two eggs and maybe a bottle of milk," Janet Museveni suggested.
She went on to show how such a simple measure can prevent hunger and help keep children in school. Yet, for many parents, this advice is difficult to follow.
In practice, many children in rural areas bring cold leftovers wrapped in banana leaves to school. Yakobo Yohana, a parent in Rubirizi District, explains, "We barely have enough to eat ourselves. At times providing additional items for school is not feasible. The priority should be ensuring our children can attend school; we will give them what we can afford and sustain."
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"Most of these children from poor homes pack food that isn't even hot in banana leaves," adds Aston Nuwagira. "That's all the parents can afford. We always see them every morning as they go to school. Most of them don't have lunch boxes or containers. "
Another parent, Asiimwe Mary, notes, "We are doing our best to provide for our children, but it's hard when every day is a struggle. The government needs to understand our situation better."
"It's not that we don't want to follow the advice," says Mbabazi another resident "but our resources are so limited that even basic meals are a challenge.At lunch time, children find their way back home and we share what is available "
As the new term begins, the gap between the recommended nutritional standards and the harsh economic conditions faced by rural families continues to widen.
