The Ministry of Education and Sports has announced plans to carry out a nationwide school feeding program set to begin in 2026.
The program is in response to the Uganda Bureau of Statistics’ (UBOS) report about the link between food shortages in schools and high dropout rates among students.
First Lady Janet Museveni, the Minister of Education and Sports, made these remarks on Thursday, December 5, 2024, at Nakasero State Lodge while releasing the NRM Manifesto Progress Report for her ministry.
She said that the initiative “aims to provide meals for learners in primary schools, particularly addressing the needs of those in rural areas,” where parents often struggle to provide adequate nutrition for their children.
While ensuring that no child is left hungry while pursuing an education, the minister noted that the program is expected to reduce school dropout rates and create a conducive learning environment.
The minister emphasized the government’s efforts to make Universal Primary and Secondary Education compulsory, making parents answerable for making sure their children go to school.
This marks the fourth year of the NRM Manifesto 2021-2026 for the Education and Sports subprogram.