Educators sound alarm over rising mental stress Uganda’s classrooms

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A silent crisis is unfolding in Uganda’s classrooms: one that does not show up in report cards but is increasingly shaping them.

From primary schools to universities, mental stress is steadily taking a toll on both learners and teachers, raising concern among education leaders and health experts alike.

According to the State of Uganda’s Population Report 2025, nearly one in every four children (22.9 percent) grapples with mental health challenges. Among adults, the figure is even higher at 24.2 percent.

Behind these numbers lie troubling realities: rising cases of depression, substance abuse, and suicide attempts.

Experts warn that the surge signals more than a health issue; it points to a growing public emergency with long-term social and economic consequences.

It is against this backdrop that Juliet Muzoora Atuhire, the commissioner for secondary education at the education ministry, has urged students to stay grounded, disciplined, and focused on their academic journey despite mounting pressures.

“These days, there is a lot that confuses our children. Not only those in secondary school, but also in primary and universities. There is a lot of mental stress affecting everyone, including teachers," she said during an awards ceremony at Teso College Aloet, where top-performing students in last year’s national examinations were celebrated.

The event, held at the school premises in Soroti city, drew parents, educators, and local leaders in a vibrant gathering that blended recognition with reflection.

While applauding academic excellence, Atuhire cautioned students against losing focus amid success or distraction.

She emphasised that discipline and hard work remain the surest path to a stable future, urging young people to make responsible life choices.

“Boys should not rush into fatherhood. Choose to become a father when you are ready after completing your education and when you can support a family."

The commissioner also challenged prevailing narratives that often focus solely on girls’ vulnerability, pointing instead to the role of irresponsible behaviour among young males.

“We talk so much about girls being vulnerable, but we must also address what makes them vulnerable, including irresponsible actions by young men."

Support needed

The ceremony coincided with Teso College Aloet’s 72nd anniversary, offering a moment to celebrate both legacy and progress. Headteacher Julius Opasso highlighted notable improvement in academic performance, with the school ranking 36th in UCE and 69th in UACE nationally.

Commissioner Atuhire and other leaders, together with students, cut the cake. (Credit: Godfrey Ojore)

Yet, behind the success story lies a pressing need for support.

Opasso appealed for investment in essential learning resources, citing shortages in computers, updated textbooks, and laboratory equipment as key barriers to delivering quality education in a digital age.

The event’s chief guest, David Calvin Echodu, the vice-chairperson of the National Resistance Movement for eastern Uganda, acknowledged the infrastructure gaps and pledged to raise the concerns with the government.

He also called on parents to prioritize education, warning that national development is impossible without an informed and skilled population.

“A country cannot develop with a largely illiterate population,” said Echodu.

Soroti City East MP-elect Moses Okia Attan echoed the call, urging students to work hard and prepare to take on future leadership roles.

Triplet Isaac Odongo receiving his certificate from Soroti City East MP-elect Moses Okia Attan. (Credit: Godfrey Ojore)

Among the standout performers were triplets Isaac Odongo, Abraham Opio, and Jacob Ochen, whose academic success captured the audience’s imagination. Scoring 20, 18, and 16 points respectively in their A-level combinations, the trio is now preparing to join a university in August.

Their achievement symbolised not just academic brilliance, but resilience in the face of growing pressures faced by young people today.

Altogether, the school spent sh85.7m for awarding the best students as well as teachers whose subjects students excelled in.

“Mathematics department took the largest share of sh10m while the balance was shared among students and other departments,” said Opasso.

The ceremony itself was far from routine. Traditional dances, poetry performances, and lively student presentations infused the event with energy, keeping the audience engaged.

As the celebrations faded, one message lingered: academic success cannot be separated from mental wellbeing. With stress levels rising across all levels of education, stakeholders are increasingly being called upon to look beyond grades and invest in the emotional and psychological health of learners and teachers alike.

Because in today’s Uganda, the battle for better education is no longer fought only in classrooms. It is also being waged in the minds of those within them.