Joy for Children Uganda has applauded the recent directive issued by the Minister of Internal Affairs, Hon. Maj. Gen. (Rtd) Kahinda Otafiire, and instructing law enforcement to take decisive action against corporal punishment in schools.
The letter was addressed to the Inspector General of Police and copied to key ministries including the Ministry of Education and Sports, a clear sign of the government’s renewed commitment to ending violence against children in schools.
The letter issued clear stated that;
“Corporal punishment is assault and a criminal offence punishable by law. You are therefore directed to arrest and prosecute any teacher or school authority who is found assaulting learners in the name of punishment.”
This directive comes at a critical time when, despite a legal ban, children across Uganda continue to face violence in schools often under the guise of discipline.
These actions have led to injuries, trauma, and in some cases, long-term emotional and psychological harm.
Such practices are not only unlawful but are in direct contradiction to Uganda’s national child protection policies and international obligations under the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child and the African Charter on the Rights and Welfare of the Child.
We commend the government for taking a rights-based approach, and we emphasize the importance of translating this directive into tangible change on the ground. We urge the Uganda Police Force to act swiftly on cases of corporal punishment, and call upon the Ministry of Education and Sports to strengthen the implementation of non-violent disciplinary practices through nationwide teacher training, school monitoring, and community sensitization.
“At Joy for Children Uganda, we continue to advocate for safe, inclusive, and child-friendly schools. In collaboration with Windle International Uganda and Ministry of Education and Sports under the Uganda Secondary School Expansion Project we are continuing to reinforce this directive through continued teacher training and child protection monitoring systems, community sensitization, especially in rural, refugee settlements and underserved communities. We believe every child deserves to learn in an environment free from violence.” the statement concluded.
