“I go around and I see children without shoes; up to now, children are going to school without shoes.”
Museveni suggested that, instead of allowing children to walk barefoot, parents should consider buying affordable footwear such as lugabire. He proposed that school administrators recommend these shoes to parents.
“The school people should encourage the children to at least have lugabire… those tyre sandals. They are much better than walking barefoot,” Museveni said.
He attributed the lack of footwear among schoolchildren to suppressed demand, which he said has persisted in the northern regions and other parts of the country.
“The market is there, but it is suppressed demand because they don’t have the money to buy,” he added.
Lugabire Sandals
Lugabire are traditional sandals made from recycled car tyres. They are popular in East Africa, particularly in Uganda, Kenya, and Rwanda, and are known for their durability and affordability.
Traditionally worn by farmers and workers due to their toughness, lugabire provide protection on rough terrain.
Risks of Going Barefoot
According to health experts, while there are some benefits to children walking barefoot, there are also health risks, including parasitic infections like hookworm, which penetrates the skin through contact with contaminated soil. Additionally, walking barefoot exposes children to bacterial and fungal infections, such as athlete’s foot, and the risk of injuries from sharp objects.
Without proper footwear, children may also suffer from musculoskeletal issues due to a lack of arch support and improper gait development. Socially, walking barefoot can lead to stigma and affect a child’s self-esteem.
