Uganda, Africa’s largest host of refugees, is edging toward a humanitarian crisis as the refugee population approaches 2 million. With more than half being children, the education sector is among the most severely impacted.
Since January 2025, close to 600 people—many escaping conflicts in Sudan, South Sudan, and the DRC, have been arriving in Uganda every day. Among them are thousands of children, including many unaccompanied minors, holding onto the hope of continuing their education despite daunting obstacles.
Schools such as Arnold Primary are operating far beyond capacity. “Even the class is too full,” said Bakos Sarah Taban, a South Sudanese refugee and teacher. “You cannot really supervise the learners… during exams, some even sit outside on verandas to write.”
