The Uganda Education Act of 2008 places the responsibility of providing meals to schoolchildren on parents and guardians. The Parent/Guardian Led School Feeding Program urges parents to send food with their children to school voluntarily, emphasizing the importance of nourishment for educational success.
Despite existing guidelines, education stakeholders highlight the urgent need for a formal policy due to the alarming statistic that 60% of students attend school on empty stomachs, resulting in poor academic performance and increased dropout rates. This critical issue demands attention and action.
Education stakeholders and nutritionists in western Uganda are urging the government to prioritize the nutritional needs of learners in both public and private schools.
The prevalence of health issues like ulcers among students underscores the necessity of a robust school feeding policy to support the holistic development of children.
Empowering parents and cultivating school gardens
The World Food Program advocates for a policy that promotes the cultivation of school gardens and empowers parents to provide nourishing meals for their children during school hours.
This initiative aims to reduce dropout rates and enhance academic performance, as emphasized by consultant nutritionist Charles Asiimwe.
With only four out of ten children receiving meals at school, concerns about enrollment, class attendance, concentration, and dropout rates are heightened.
The impact of inadequate nutrition on students’ well-being and academic outcomes is a pressing issue that requires immediate intervention, as highlighted by nutritionist Angella Abiika.
Dr. Gilbert Ahumuza, the acting district health officer in Rukiga district, reports an increase in students presenting with ulcers, attributing this health issue to prolonged periods of hunger during the school day. The correlation between nutrition and health underscores the urgency of implementing effective school feeding policies.
Advocating for government intervention
Edgar Twinomujuni, the program officer for School Feeding at the World Food Program, stresses the need for government prioritization of school feeding programs in the National Development Plan IV.
Allocating specific budgets for school garden initiatives can enhance food security and academic performance among students.
Twinomujuni emphasizes the role of school feeding initiatives in advancing economic agendas outlined in the NDP IV.
Reviving school garden programs and implementing comprehensive school feeding policies can contribute to the well-being and academic success of learners while promoting economic development at national and local levels.
Advocates are pushing for a national school feeding policy that delineates clear responsibilities for government, parents, students, and other stakeholders in ensuring adequate nutrition for students during school hours. This collaborative effort aims to create a supportive environment for student learning and growth.