In response, Reach A Hand Uganda (RAHU) has launched Back-to-School Campaign under the theme “Safe and Supported” to encourage students, particularly young mothers, to re-enrol in school.
The third-term holiday is a critical point in the school year, coinciding with the end of the academic year and exams. During this time, students may face increased pressure, leading to disengagement, especially if struggling academically due to financial challenges among others. Idleness also raises the risk of engaging in activities that hinder their return to school such as early marriages, teenage pregnancies, and poverty, which contribute to school dropouts.
The campaign is aligned with the National Sexuality Education Framework (NSEF) and the revised guidelines on the Prevention and Management of Teenage Pregnancy in School Settings, advocating for school re-entry approach for young mothers, through educational interventions while fostering a supportive environment for students, especially girls to return to school.
Throughout the initiative, RAHU organized various activities aimed at encouraging students to return to school despite the challenges.
A survey was also conducted as part of the campaign, and revealed that 36% of respondents attributed young mothers’ failure to return to school to stigma after childbirth, while 38% cited financial difficulties. Additionally, 14% identified a lack of childcare support, and 12% pointed to inflexible school policies as a major challenge.
The activities held included a Back-to-School Walk in Lungujja, a school outreach at St. Jannan SS in Kabalagala and Bwesumbu Peas High School in Kasese, along with digital engagements with the public.
Mr Humphrey Nabimanya, RAHU CEO, reemphasized that stigma is one of the major subtle factors driving school drop out in fear or discrimination or bullying.
‘’The campaign, along with its theme, focuses on being sensitive to students’ challenges and providing the necessary support without discrimination. This involves combating stigma, enhancing school policies, training teachers to be more supportive, and encouraging parents to act as pillars of support—all of which help students feel comfortable returning to school,’’ he said, adding that openly addressing these issues is crucial to breaking the stigma.
The campaign also provided a platform for RAHU peer educators to participate in the activities, allowing them to gain hands-on experience in creating positive change within their communities.
Masika Rinnah, one of the peer educators, shared how transformative the academy has been for her. She said that the experience has not only provided her with theoretical knowledge but has also equipped her with practical skills to make a real impact.
School dropouts remain a significant concern in Uganda. According to the Uganda Bureau of Statistics (UBOS), approximately 15% of girls aged 15-19 become pregnant, making teenage pregnancy one of the leading causes of school dropouts. Data from the Ministry of Education shows that 25,000 schoolgirls dropped out due to pregnancy in 2020, and this number increased to 35,000 in 2021.
Meanwhile, recent media reports indicate that more than 3,100 pupils drop out of primary school across the country daily, resulting in over one million learners failing to sit for the Primary Leaving Examinations (PLE) each year.

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John Kikonyogo, FDC spokesperson
The Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) has lauded the Supreme Court’s recent landmark ruling that upheld the Constitutional Court’s decision in the case of Hon. Michael Andrew Kabaziguruka Vs Attorney General. The court outlawed the trial of civilian suspects in the military Court Martial, describing it as a disciplinary tribunal meant for errant army officers.

The Supreme Court further directed the transfer of all civilian cases from the Court Martial to civil courts, a move that FDC spokesperson John Kikonyogo hailed as a victory for justice and the rule of law.

“We in the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) welcome this landmark judgment and hail the justices of the Supreme Court for upholding the rule of law and preserving justice,” Kikonyogo said.

The FDC urged the government to comply with the court ruling by immediately transferring all civilian cases to civil courts. Kikonyogo emphasized the party’s commitment to ensuring that civilian suspects are not unfairly subjected to military trials.

However, the FDC expressed concern over General Muhoozi Kainerugaba’s public criticism of the ruling during the Tarehe Sita celebrations in Kyotera, as well as plans for an NRM caucus retreat in Kyankwanzi aimed at pushing for constitutional amendments to empower the Court Martial to try civilians.

“We view this move as a direct challenge to the Supreme Court’s ruling and an attempt to undermine the independence of the judiciary,” Kikonyogo noted.

He warned that should Parliament attempt to pass such amendments, the FDC would challenge the move in the Constitutional Court.

“If Parliament succeeds in processing this amendment, we will challenge it in court because it is void. The Supreme Court ruling was not an observation but an order, which the government must enforce henceforth,” Kikonyogo asserted.

Beyond the court martial issue, the FDC called for the swift resolution of long-standing court cases, particularly those involving suspects who have been on remand for over a decade.

“This is not just a matter of justice but a humanitarian concern. Suspects who have languished in jail for extended periods without trial have essentially been denied their right to a fair and timely trial,” Kikonyogo stated.

The party also highlighted the need for expedited resolution of land cases, some of which have dragged on for over 30 years, often outliving the petitioners and respondents.

“Many land cases have stretched on without delivering justice. The petitioners die, their heirs also die, and eventually, the grandchildren are left fighting over the same cases,” Kikonyogo lamented.

To address these concerns, the FDC is advocating for judicial reforms, including increasing the number of judges, improving court infrastructure, and implementing more effective case management systems.

“Justice delayed is justice denied. The Ugandan judiciary must take steps to clear the backlog of cases and ensure that all individuals, regardless of their circumstances, have access to a fair and timely trial,” Kikonyogo concluded.

The FDC reaffirmed its commitment to defending the rule of law and upholding the principles of justice in Uganda.

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The Bank of Uganda (BoU) has kept the Central Bank Rate (CBR) at 9.75%, citing stable domestic inflation and a resilient economy.
According to BoU, inflation trends have remained in line with projections, supported by monetary policy measures and reforms in the Interbank Foreign Exchange Market. These actions have strengthened the foreign exchange market and contributed to exchange rate stability.
Favorable food and energy prices, along with relatively low global inflation, have also played a role in controlling domestic inflation. Over the twelve months leading up to January 2025, annual headline and core inflation averaged 3.4% and 3.8%, respectively. However, in January 2025, headline inflation rose to 3.6% (from 3.3% in December 2024), while core inflation increased to 4.2% (from 3.9%), mainly due to rising service costs, particularly in passenger transport.
“Despite seasonal food price increases, near-term inflation remains manageable. However, the short to medium-term outlook is uncertain, largely due to external risks. The BoU forecasts annual core inflation to range between 4.0% and 5.0% in 2025, stabilizing in the medium term,” the statement reads.
Economic activity remains strong, with business confidence holding firm despite global economic challenges and slow private sector credit growth. The Uganda Bureau of Statistics (UBOS) reported a 6.7% real GDP growth in Q1 of FY 2024/25, up from 6.2% in the previous quarter and 5.6% in the same period last year. This growth was driven by a significant rebound in industrial activity.
Looking ahead, Uganda’s GDP is projected to grow by 6.0%–6.5% in FY 2024/25 and reach 7.0% in the coming years, supported by a stable macroeconomic environment, Increased foreign direct investment (FDI) in the extractive sector, Government initiatives for wealth creation, Growth in agriculture and anticipated oil revenue
The Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) acknowledged that while inflation may rise in the short term, it is expected to return to target levels in the medium term. However, uncertainties in the global economy could accelerate inflation and impact economic activity, necessitating a cautious monetary approach.
“The CBR remains at 9.75%, with bands at +/-2 percentage points. The rediscount rate is 12.75%, and the bank rate is 13.75%,” the committee said.
The MPC believes that the current CBR level effectively balances inflation control with economic growth. Future adjustments will depend on new data and risk assessments.

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