The Silent Struggles of Boys in Uganda: What the Data Tells Us

When it comes to education, health, and social development, Uganda has made great progress in uplifting girls. But behind the headlines, boys are slipping through the cracks—and the numbers prove it.

This isn’t about comparing struggles. It’s about recognizing patterns we’ve overlooked for too long. The boy child is falling behind, quietly and consistently.

The Numbers Don’t Lie

In several districts across Uganda, school dropout rates for boys are rising. According to a 2022 Ministry of Education report, dropout rates among boys in rural areas outpace those of girls in some regions—especially between the ages of 13 and 17. Why? Poverty, pressure to earn money, and a lack of parental involvement are major drivers.

Additionally, UNICEF data indicates that boys are more likely than girls to be involved in child labor. Many of them work in markets, farms, or as boda boda riders. These roles expose them to risk, pull them away from school, and reinforce the idea that their worth lies only in what they can provide—not in who they are becoming.

Emotional Neglect and Mental Health

Boys are also less likely to receive emotional support. In many households, they’re told to “be strong,” “not cry,” and “be a man.” As a result, many boys suppress emotions, struggle with identity, and never learn how to communicate what they feel.

This emotional silence often leads to behavioral issues, depression, or substance abuse. Yet, because mental health services are already scarce—and because boys rarely seek help—even their struggles go undetected.

Cultural Expectations Hold Them Back

Cultural norms play a role, too. In some communities, boys are expected to fend for themselves from an early age. They are pushed into adulthood before they’re ready. Education and emotional development take a backseat to survival.

Even in households where education is valued, girls may receive more direct investment because of widespread campaigns and scholarships for girls. Meanwhile, boys are expected to just “get through it.”

A Wake-Up Call

If we continue to ignore these trends, we risk creating a generation of young men who are uneducated, emotionally disconnected, and economically vulnerable. And that affects everyone—families, communities, and the future of the nation.

At the Karitas Karisimbi Foundation, we are committed to changing that. We advocate for the boy child not to take away from the girl child—but to create balance. When both thrive, society wins.

What Needs to Change?

• More targeted scholarships and bursaries for boys in high-risk communities.

• Public awareness campaigns that normalize emotional health for boys.

• Parental education on balanced attention across genders.

• Laws that are actually enforced to protect boys from labor and exploitation.

Let’s stop treating boys like they’re invincible. They’re not. They’re children—just like girls—and they need us, too.