ABSTRACT
The study sought to investigate Factors Affecting Academic Performance of Students in Secondary Schools in Ruhaama Sub County Ntungamo-Uganda with specific objectives which include; to identify the extent to which psychosocial problems affect the level of academic performance, to identify the effect of Peer Pressure on the behavior of secondary school students, to identify the roles of school authorities in helping the students to cope with adolescence and to identify the variation between male and female students in academic performance . The study developed a correctional design employing both quantitative and qualitative methods in the collection of data and its analysis. The study included 111 respondents, teachers and students. From the study, it was found out that psychosocial problems affect the level of academic performance as proved by 70%. It was also found out that the peer pressure affects behaviors of secondary school students as the majority 93% agreed. When identifying the roles of school authorities in helping students to cope with adolescence, it was found that schools help students in their endeavors as proved by 80% which was majority. In identifying the variation between male and female students in academic performance, findings indicated that there is variation as it was reported by 68% majority of respondents. It was concluded that psychosocial problems affect adolescent students in their schools as well as peer pressure. It is there fore recommended that schools should provide career guidance to students that is; education focused, and counseling services through Gender Desks, it should be provided to relieve the affected students, for psychosocial support and for their academic improvement. It should be a responsibility of every body
