Schools across Uganda are experiencing low attendance as the Third Term unfolds, with promotional and national exams fast approaching. Educationists and local leaders point to low household incomes in several districts as a major factor contributing to this trend. Many parents are struggling to meet school requirements, including learners' feeding, due to financial difficulties. This has resulted in a significant number of students not reporting back to school.
Education Minister Chrysostom Muyingo has attributed some of the delays in reporting to a common mindset, especially in rural areas, where students traditionally do not attend school during the first weeks of the term. He urged schools to allow all students to report back, understanding that many salaried workers had not received their salaries yet. Minister Muyingo emphasized the need to change this mindset and ensure that all students return to school.
In Bufumira Sub-county, Nekemiya Seed Secondary School's headteacher, Ms. Rose Nalugemwa, reported that only six out of 15 candidates had reported by the weekend. She noted that many parents on the mainland had prioritized their children's education, but families on the islands were reluctant to meet school requirements. This will be the first cohort of candidates sitting the Senior Four exams at Nekemiya Seed SS.
In Kalangala District, Mr. Richard Ssettuba, the chairperson of Mugoye Sub-County, reported low attendance during his school inspections. At Bugoma Primary School, only 15 out of 30 Primary Seven candidates had reported by September 21. He explained that several parents involved in oil-palm growing had their accounts frozen amid theft investigations, leaving them without income to support their children's schooling.
Mr. Ssettuba expressed concern that both public and private schools are experiencing low returns of learners, including those in candidate classes. The Uganda National Examinations Board (UNEB) recently released national timetables for the 2026 exams, with over 1.6 million candidates expected to start writing their exams next month. The low turnout is likely to affect the performance of these candidates.
Educationists and local leaders are urging parents to prioritize their children's education despite the economic challenges. They emphasize that education is key to unlocking the future of these children and the country at large. The government and other stakeholders are being called upon to provide support to families struggling to meet school requirements.
The low learner turnout in Ugandan schools is a concern that needs to be addressed urgently. With the exams fast approaching, it is essential that all students report back to school to ensure they can sit for their exams and secure their future. The government, educationists, and local leaders must work together to find a solution to this problem and ensure that all children have access to quality education.
Key points
- Economic constraints are a major factor contributing to low learner turnout in Ugandan schools.
- The low turnout is likely to affect the performance of candidates in the upcoming national exams.
- Educationists and local leaders are urging parents to prioritize their children's education despite the economic challenges.
