Factors Contributing to Students’ Loss of Interest in Learning: A Case Study of Secondary Schools in Butambala District, Uganda

Abstract

This study investigated the factors contributing to students’ loss of interest in learning within secondary schools in Butambala District, Uganda. The research was motivated by declining academic performance and increasing student apathy in the region. Employing a qualitative case study design, data were collected through semi-structured interviews with headteachers, teachers, and students, alongside document review. The study identified three core factors: archaic pedagogical methods that stifle learner autonomy, dilapidated school environments that demotivate students, and socio-economic stressors that prioritize survival over education. The findings suggest that student disengagement is a systemic issue rooted in resource constraints and rigid instructional frameworks. It is recommended that the Ministry of Education and Sports (MoES) implement mandatory continuous professional development in student-centered pedagogies and increase capitation grants to improve infrastructure. Addressing these factors is critical to restoring interest and improving educational outcomes in Ugandan secondary schools.