AMOS K
As schools resume for the first term, leaders from Rubaare Sub-county and Rubaare Town Council have raised concerns over the increasing number of teenagers who have not reported back to school and instead remain in the villages and town.
Benson Kansiime, the LC3 Chairperson of Rubaare Town Council, noted that while the issue is prevalent in Rubaare Sub-county, fewer teenagers are found loitering in the town council due to harassment from authorities.
Kansiime criticized parents for neglecting their responsibilities, emphasizing that children are under their care and should not be allowed to skip school. He proposed imposing penalties on parents who fail to ensure their children attend school. He also pointed out that some parents refuse to work, leaving their children to struggle for survival.
Coleb Tindimwebwa, the LC3 Chairperson of Rubaare Sub-county, stated that this issue is not new, as many teenagers in the area have a history of dropping out of school at a young age. He attributed this trend to the increased number of daily markets in Rubaare, which provide opportunities for teenagers to engage in trade rather than attend school.
Tindimwebwa further explained that some of these teenagers are orphans seeking means of survival, while others come from homes with irresponsible parents. He noted that although local authorities have tried to address the problem, Uganda’s laws prevent the arrest and imprisonment of individuals below 18 years, making enforcement difficult.
Tindimwebwa also warned that school dropouts are becoming a security threat, as many are engaging in drug abuse, theft, and other criminal activities due to idleness.
He added that authorities are continuing to sensitize parents about the importance of education, and if the situation does not improve, they will involve the police to ensure that children return to school.
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