Living Arrangements and Schooling of Orphaned Children and Adolescents in Uganda

This article estimates the determinants of the living arrangements and school enrollment of orphans in Uganda. The results indicate that orphans, those who have lost at least one biological parent, are more likely to be found in female-headed households than male-headed households. As the education of the female members, the number of female elders, and the value of assets increase, the probability of living with orphans who are not the biological children of any of the household members also increases. In addition, we find that female adolescents aged 15-18 are significantly less likely to be enrolled in secondary school and exhibit slow progress in grade school advancement if they are either double orphans or single orphans who are not living with their remaining parent. Among children aged 7-14, however, we do not find any differences in school enrollment between orphans and nonorphans.