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Many schools in Rukungiri district are experiencing a significant decrease in student attendance, particularly in government-aided schools, as reported by Lydia Tushemerirwe, the senior inspector of schools for Rukungiri district.
During her recent visits to various schools on Monday, Tushemerirwe observed that while most teachers were present and prepared to teach, primary schools had notably fewer students compared to last year’s enrollment. For instance, at Kafujo Primary School in Buyanja sub-county, two classes—Primary Seven and Primary One—had no students present, with only 12 pupils in the entire school. Meanwhile, at Rwekuraijo Primary School, there was evidence of effort as the chairperson of the Parent-Teacher Association (PTA) was seen engaging with teachers, indicating active involvement in school affairs.
Tushemerirwe urged school administrators and other education stakeholders to encourage parents to send their children back to school promptly to ensure a successful academic year and improve overall school performance.
Addressing concerns from some parents who believe that children reporting early to school will be engaged in menial tasks like cleaning and slashing, Tushemerirwe clarified that this is a misconception. She appealed to parents to overcome such misconceptions and prioritize their children’s timely return to school.
Rukungiri’s Resident District Commissioner, Nsubunga Bewayo, echoed Tushemerirwe’s sentiments, noting that the delay in children returning to school is due to parental reluctance, as revealed in a survey conducted by his office. Bewayo urged parents to send their children back to school promptly, emphasizing that teachers are already prepared to provide education.
Furthermore, educationists stressed the importance of parents fulfilling their responsibility by ensuring their children attend school on time, emphasizing the detrimental effects of missed lessons on future educational outcomes. They attributed the low turnout to parents’ reluctance and misconceptions about the timing of their children’s return to school.
However, a recent survey conducted by the district reports an enrollment increase to 60%. Headteachers explained that students typically take the first week to return to school due to various challenges faced by parents, particularly financial constraints in meeting school requirements.
