Mitooma,Uganda – Government schools in Ruhinda North Constituency, Mitooma District, have recorded a slow return of learners as third term begins, with school administrators attributing the low turnout mainly to financial challenges faced by parents.
At Rwoburunga Seed Secondary School in Rwoburunga Sub-county, Headteacher Ms. Musiimenta Jacqueline says only 160 out of the 240 learners enrolled at the school had reported by Monday and Tuesday.
Ms. Musiimenta says the boarding section has reported at 100 percent, while day scholars are returning gradually depending on their parents’ financial preparedness.
She attributes the delayed reporting partly to low incomes among farming families, noting that some parents are struggling to meet school requirements, including feeding costs for boarding learners.
She has appealed to parents to ensure their children return to school, particularly candidates preparing for this year’s Uganda National Examinations Board (UNEB) examinations.
Meanwhile, at Kiyanga Vocational Secondary School in Kiyanga Sub-county, Headteacher Mr. Tumusiime Patrick says learner reporting is also low. He notes that some parents could be waiting for their salaries, since the third term has opened in the middle of the month, while others are waiting to sell produce to buy school requirements.
He has urged parents facing financial difficulties to engage the school and agree on payment arrangements instead of keeping their children at home.
Mr. Tumusiime says A-Level examinations are expected to begin in about 25 days, meaning learners who stay home for even ten days could miss a significant portion of learning.
He has therefore appealed to parents, local leaders and other stakeholders to support learners to return to school and make the most of the limited learning time available in the third term.
*Story by: Nkagashaka Aventino*
