Rubirizi,Uganda – Rubirizi’s District Inspector of Schools has warned that parents who remove children from school for early marriage will be arrested, blaming the practice for high dropout rates and declining education standards.
Sabit Elisamu issued the warning while addressing parents, teachers, and pupils of Butoha Primary School in Magambo Subcounty during a general meeting.
He said marrying off underage children violates national education laws and children’s rights. His office has already received complaints about parents engaging in the practice.
“Parents should leave their children in school so they can become productive citizens,” Elisamu said. “Families must take education seriously as a major investment, not just a source of income.”
He warned that anyone found to have withdrawn a child from school for early marriage will be arrested. He added that domestic violence, poverty, illiteracy, ignorance, torture, and disease have also undermined pupils’ performance.
Elisamu cited three key issues hurting education in Rubirizi: emotional violence, physical violence, and sexual violence. He urged parents and teachers to reduce harsh discipline at school and at home.
He called for closer cooperation between parents, teachers, local leaders, and pupils to improve education quality. This includes sensitization meetings, delivering quality teaching, and ensuring each person plays their role. He appealed to parents to work together at home and reduce domestic violence.
Meanwhile, Butoha Primary School Headteacher Fokushaba Stivin said the meeting was held to recognize last year’s good academic performance and address challenges.
He listed school dropouts, latecoming, unpaid fees, child labor, parents discouraging young children, lack of scholastic materials, insufficient chairs, and inadequate classrooms as key problems. He said the school has over 800 pupils and needs active parent support through community work.
He urged parents to understand their responsibilities and treat education as an investment and a tool for their homes.
Story and Photos By: Tugume Muzafaru
