Moses Bulamu

By Moses Bulamu

In Uganda, many fathers struggle with the weight of providing school fees for their children in preschools, primary schools, and secondary schools. It’s worse at the tertiary level. Many fathers end up in debt; many sell off property. Many resort to all sorts of ‘commando’ behavior, plunging into chaos and uncertainty for themselves and their families.

This financial pressure takes a significant toll on their mental health, leading to stress, low self-esteem, feelings of unworthiness, anxiety, and inadequacy. Fathers often feel the responsibility of being the primary breadwinners, and the cost of education can be overwhelming, leading to:

1. Stress and anxiety about meeting deadlines and affording fees.
2. Feelings of guilt and shame when unable to provide.
3. Strained relationships with family members.

It’s essential to acknowledge the mental health impact of school fees on fathers. On one hand, they are determined to support their children flawlessly; on the other hand, they do it with the hope that every single shilling invested in education will yield benefits for the whole family. That said, our society doesn’t easily encourage fathers to share their struggles, and seeking social support comes with its costs. Sharing could reduce feelings of isolation, develop coping strategies, and prioritize a father’s mental well-being. I consistently use the word “could” because it’s not a given that these steps mitigate mental health issues.

So, why don’t fathers prioritize access to affordable education? “Cutting your coat according to the cloth” might be a practical approach. Financial literacy has been widely discussed, but most fathers avoid it! Do financial support systems come in handy during school fees? Most fathers avoid mental health resources and counseling because they perceive them as signs of weakness or cowardice. Could this be true, or is it a case of prescribing medicine without addressing the root cause?

Alleviating the challenges of mental health caused by school fees requires a proactive promotion of a healthier, more supportive environment for families – what I refer to as “community medication.” The community might not solve the problem, but it could immensely soothe the pain.