GIDEON TUMWIJUKYE
Government primary school headteachers from Kabale Municipality have expressed concern over the decreasing number of boys in schools.
Speaking during the Southern Division budget conference meeting for the 2025/2026 financial year, held at the division grounds in Mwanjari Ward, Southern Division of Kabale Municipality, Phabis Twasingwire, the headteacher of Kikungiri Primary School; Caroline Kizza, the headteacher of Mugabi Primary School; and Peter Turyamureeba of Kitumba Primary School stated that the enrollment of boys in their schools has steadily declined, while the number of girls has remained relatively stable. They attributed this decline to a lack of parental support for boys’ education and money-making ventures such as street vending.
They added that some parents have neglected their responsibilities, sending their children to school without scholastic materials or lunch. They urged parents to prioritize their sons’ education and provide them with the necessary support and resources. Additionally, they called on the government to implement policies and programs specifically targeting the empowerment of the boy child, such as vocational training and mentorship opportunities.
The Southern Division chairperson, Kamusiime Maclean Batwale, urged parents to take responsibility for keeping their children in school. He pledged to engage with the municipal education department to find solutions to mitigate this problem.
