Staff Reporter
The Minister of State for Defense and Veteran Affairs, Hon. Sarah Nyirabashitsi Mateke, has expressed concern over the rising rate of school dropouts in Kisoro District, warning that this trend could result in a future shortage of locally educated civil servants.
Minister Mateke made these remarks yesterday while serving as the guest of honor at the commissioning of an ICT laboratory and the laying of a foundation stone for a library at Nyamirembe Secondary School in Nyanamo Town Council, Kisoro District. The ICT facility, established by the Uganda Communications Commission through the Uganda Communications Universal Service and Access Fund, includes at least 20 computers for the school.
Minister Mateke emphasized the alarming dropout rates in Kisoro District, cautioning that this could lead to a lack of educated locals, which would necessitate the employment of outsiders. She noted that this could negatively impact the community’s financial well-being.
Tabura Tatwendera Richard, the headmaster of Nyamirembe Secondary School, reported that the school is struggling with low student enrollment, as many students drop out to get married or engage in local business. Currently, the school has only 148 students, comprising 73 boys and 75 girls.
During the event, Rev. Epaphra Hatabarimana of Nyamiyaga Church of Uganda urged the public to work diligently for their families and communities and to prioritize the education of their children for the area’s development. He lamented that some families send their children to schools outside their community, contributing to the low enrollment at local schools.
Meanwhile, Kenneth Bigezikyi Obigaba, Chairperson of the School Board, expressed gratitude to Hon. Minister Mateke for her efforts in securing the computers and requested that she commission them during the event, adding a special significance to the occasion.
