STAFF REPORTER
Kanungu District Education Officer (DEO), Shaban Adam, has called for urgent action to combat the rising cases of school dropouts, early marriages, and domestic violence, which he says are impeding educational progress in the district.
Speaking during an open day at Mukono Primary School in Mukono Cell, Southern Ward, Buhoma Town Council, Shaban commended the school’s remarkable growth and resilience despite its limited resources. Enrollment at Mukono Primary School has soared from 300 to 817 pupils, a testament to its dedication to fostering education. The school, managed by only 11 teachers and operating with a 5-stance pit latrine, has seen improvements in both enrollment and performance.
Shaban praised the school for constructing new classrooms to address overcrowding and urged parents to prioritize their children’s education and stay actively involved to ensure their success. Using a powerful metaphor, he encouraged, “This world is on a wheel, cycling itself, and if you don’t move with it, you risk falling behind in misery.” He also urged children to stay disciplined, respect elders, love God, and avoid negative influences to excel in their studies.
Headteacher Babirisa Enos highlighted the school’s progress, attributing it to the collective effort of teachers, parents, and community organizations. However, he pointed out persistent challenges such as the high pupil-to-teacher ratio and insufficient infrastructure. Enos appealed to the government for support in addressing these pressing issues to sustain the school’s growth.
Reverend Canon Stella Arinaitwe, Diocesan Education Coordinator for Kinkizi Diocese, emphasized the vital role of parents in monitoring their children’s progress, providing scholastic materials, and fostering open communication. She stressed that a collaborative effort between parents and schools is essential to address the challenges facing learners.
Mukono Primary School took the opportunity to recognize several organizations for their generous contributions, which have included scholastic materials, financial aid, and support for development projects.
Despite its achievements, Mukono Primary School and other institutions in Kanungu District face critical challenges. Stakeholders echoed the DEO’s call for urgent government intervention to enhance infrastructure, reduce the pupil-to-teacher ratio, and provide resources for sustainable educational development.
The event showcased Mukono Primary School as a beacon of hope and resilience, demonstrating that with collective effort and commitment, significant progress can be achieved even under challenging circumstances.
